University Open Air: Field Hollers and American Music

Sat, Sep 11 2021
9:00 am – 10:00 am
Prospect Park Boat House

BPL Presents humanities and art University Open Air


The African American Hollers tradition had a major influence on the development of the Blues. But how did that happen, exactly? We will discuss the history of this genre, and the often problematic origin of the documentation we have available on it today. We will then recognize and celebrate the career trajectories of some key musicians who introduced Hollers techniques in their Blues performances.

Lorenzo Vanelli completed a Ph.D. in Ethnomusicology in 2019 at the University of Bologna, Italy, with a focus on music traditions of the African Diaspora in the Mediterranean and the U.S. His interest focused on how diasporic communities re-interpret music traditions to discuss and resist current and historical struggles, as well as to affirm or challenge identities. Lorenzo works for Upwardly Global, a non-profit that supports immigrants in the US to find jobs in their professional fields.

*In cases of rain, classes will be canceled. Registered patrons will be notified by email on the morning of each course day and are also encouraged to check the UOA webpage and BPL Presents’ Facebook and Twitter pages for updates.

University Open Air is generously supported by The Morris & Alma Schapiro Fund.

Prospect Park Boat House
101 East Drive
Brooklyn, NY 11225

Add to My Calendar 09/11/2021 09:00 am 09/11/2021 10:00 am America/New_York University Open Air: Field Hollers and American Music

The African American Hollers tradition had a major influence on the development of the Blues. But how did that happen, exactly? We will discuss the history of this genre, and the often problematic origin of the documentation we have available on it today. We will then recognize and celebrate the career trajectories of some key musicians who introduced Hollers techniques in their Blues performances.

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