Jazz & Swing from A to Z: the Story of America's Music

The wildly popular Dr. Thom Mason, USC Professor Emeritus of Jazz Studies at the Thornton School of Music, returns to Crowell Public Library with a new six-session course sponsored by the Friends of the Library. Mason riffs off the popular classes that he taught over the last five years, savoring the stories of famous musicians from the past, and the jazz stars of today.

The series schedule this Spring will be:

April 3: Jazz & Swing From A to Z

April 10: Women Who Play Jazz and Swing

April 17: The Ella Fitzgerald Story

May 1: The Benny Goodman Story

May 8: Peggy Lee

Thom Mason was chairman of the department of jazz studies at the USC Thornton School of Music from 1983 to 1996. During that period he created the bachelor of music, masters of music and doctor of musical arts programs in jazz studies. He is a saxophone, clarinet and flute specialist and has played with such notable artists as Sarah Vaughan, Ella Fitzgerald, Tony Bennett, Jack Sheldon, Louis Bellson, and Ernie Watts. His multimedia presentations are filled with music excerpts: rare photos, film clips, humorous stories and live demonstrations that stimulate, educate and entertain. They are not to be missed! No reservations are required.

Thanks to the sponsors, the Friends of Crowell Public Library, the music keeps coming!