Civic Jazz - The Launch of the Center

Improvisation, empathy, cooperation: signatures of jazz and qualities that critical democracies can take to heart. This evening brought to light a number of parallels between jazz and the potential of modern democracies.

The Marcus Roberts Trio played several pieces of their own composition and some classics during their discussion with Mr. Gregory Clark. The second act was entirely musical and clearly illustrated the lessons that Mr. Roberts and Mr. Clark had conveyed during the first act. Great music happens when the entire group plays, not just for itself, but for the betterment of the piece.

It was clear that this was an ongoing dialogue for both men. Their work together, be it in these public conversations, or in Mr. Clark’s book Civic Jazz, reinforces the collaborative and interdisciplinary nature of the Center that they were in Paris to launch. As the Center’s press release puts it, “[T]hey are exploring the influences for good that can emerge from jazz.”

While Mr. Roberts and Mr. Clark explore jazz, the Center for Critical Democracy Studies, through the work of Dr. Stephen Sawyer among others, will examine the influences for good that can emerge from interdisciplinary, interlingual, and intercultural dialogues and events that revolve around critical democracy. Dr. Sawyer, director of the new Center, said, “We cannot tackle these questions working alone,” and invites us all to join in the conversation about democracy. “There is no department or scholar at AUP and beyond that cannot actively contribute to this reflection.”

Take a look at the video and photo gallery below to get the highlights of the evening: