Event

Jazz on Film: Bird of a Nation: Charlie Parker and Clint Eastwood's Biopic

Tuesday, September 10th, 7:00pm
The National Jazz Museum in Harlem Presents:
Jazz on Film

Bird of a Nation: Charlie Parker and Clint Eastwood's Biopic

Clint Eastwood had the best of intentions when he created
his Charlie Parker biopic Bird in 1988. Nonetheless, it
perpetuated many of the myths that still dog jazz and its
musicians. Parker is reduced to a fun-loving, headed for
self-destruction man/child, totally devoid of the
intelligence and maturity of the real Parker.

Krin Gabbard, professor of Comparative Literature at SUNY
Stony Book, and author of Jammin' At The Margins, a
groundbreaking study of jazz and film, will moderate the
panel as they and the audience react to segments of the
Eastwood film. We are especially honored to have the
legendary saxophonist/composer/bandleader Jimmy Heath
participating; he knew and played with Charlie Parker.
Heath's presence alone makes this a historic evening.

Panelists include Robert O'Meally, Loren Schoenberg,
Jonathan Scheuer and legendary
saxophonist/composer/bandleader Robert O'Meally. Moderated
by Krin Gabbard.