Building on jazz.fm91’s ongoing recognition and celebration of Black music and culture, the radio station is excited to announce its programming lineup for Black History Month that includes daily audio vignettes, weekly concerts, a special documentary presentation and more.
Black History Month intensifies recognition and celebration of a culture and people whose richness has enhanced and contributed to a broader North American life. The journey has been one of struggle, faith, fortitude and conviction. Out of it has come impactful legacy, integrity, storytelling, arts, culture, greatness, stature, prominence and pride. Black History Month is a focused lens for everyone.
Daily audio vignettes narrated and written by John Devenish, the host of jazz.fm91’s evening program Dinner Jazz, puts the spotlight on influential figures throughout jazz history. The artists featured in the series include Theo Crocker, Sarah Vaughan, Robert Glasper, Oscar Peterson, Nina Simone, Nat King Cole, Louis Armstrong, Kamasi Washington, Ella Fitzgerald and Billie Holiday. These mini-segments are also featured in a podcast series available online.
The Sound of Jazz Concert Series is celebrating 45 years of live concert entertainment as one of Canada’s most prestigious music series. These concerts were recorded for broadcast and continue to be aired during our ever-popular and award-winning Sound of Jazz program Sundays at 4 p.m. This month’s lineup features world-class talent by Black Canadians including Larnell Lewis, Archie Alleyne, Russ Little and Cory Butler.
Finally, Africville Stories is a presentation by Order of Canada recipient Joe Sealy that expands on his Juno Award-winning recording Africville Suite. It tells the true story of a settlement that was established in 1847 at the north end of Halifax. It was Canada’s oldest Black community, but in the 1960s it was demolished. This pre-produced special presentation will air on Saturday, Feb. 13th, and again on Sunday, Feb. 28th.
Schedule of Black History Month programming:
Sunday, Feb. 7: Sound of Jazz
Featuring: Larnell Lewis
The Great Hall • January, 2020
Saturday, Feb. 13: Africville Stories
Presented by: Joe Sealy
Sunday. Feb. 14: Sound of Jazz
Featuring: Corey Butler with Jenna Cowans, Joanna Majoko, Karen Jewels, Sacha Williamson, Quisha Wint, Verese Vassel Bowen and Justin Bacchus
Hugh’s Room Live • January, 2019
Sunday. Feb. 21: Sound of Jazz
Featuring: Russ Little
Nathan Phillips Square • June, 2007
Sunday, Feb. 28: Africville Stories
Presented by: Joe Sealy
Sunday, Feb. 28: Sound of Jazz
Featuring: Archie Alleyne’s Kollage with Jackie Richardson
Ontario Science Centre • January, 2003
Throughout the month jazz.fm91 will also be sharing digital-exclusive content that highlights Black excellence and legacies.
At a time when mass protests and social movements have drawn increased attention to the struggles and injustices still faced by Black citizens, it is as important as ever to acknowledge the history and heritage of the Black community and to work harder toward equity and justice. jazz.fm91’s special radio features highlight Black excellence and the strength contained within. We invite you to join us as we share, elevate and amplify the music and stories of Black artists throughout this Black History Month.