“Experience the Archives of African American Music and Culture in March”

The AAAMC has recently moved into its new location in the Wells Library, which lies at the center of IU’s campus. As a result, we have experienced an uptick in visitations from students, faculty, and community members, thus increasing engagement of our rich collections on Black music and culture. We welcome you to come experience our new home during the Archive’s first public event, AAAMC Open House, Friday, March 7th, 2025, 5:30pm-7:30pm.

During this affair, we will offer tours of the AAAMC suite. Additionally, there will be live music, light hors d'oeuvres, and the highlight of the evening, a talk by former IU Soul Revue Director, composer, educator, author, and jazz guitarist Dr. William Banfield, who will speak about his vast artistic endeavors along with his collection materials housed at the AAAMC. This initial event is FREE and open to the public, but please arrive early as space is limited.

Also, please join us for our second event, Bloomington Symphony Orchestra’s (BSO) concert, American Voices For All Time, on Sunday, March 9th, 2025, 5pm-7pm at the Buskirk-Chumley Theatre; with a preconcert talk by Dr. Banfield at 4pm. American Voices For All Time is the result of an ongoing partnership established in 2021 between the AAAMC and BSO, in an effort to elevate performances of musical works by Black composers within the orchestral tradition. During this presentation, you will experience the BSO’s rendition of Banfield’s Symphony no. 6: Four Songs for Five Voices, along with the performance of compositions by George Gershwin and Florence Price among others. The Bridges Youth Orchestra will also perform during the concert.

With these two events, the AAAMC hopes to provide you with a broad, dynamic, and unique experience centering our archival holdings. Simply put, we are bringing our collections alive!