ISP in the USA

Visits to the United States are a common item on the busy agendas of the ISP directors and faculty members. These trips are a manifestation of the Seminar's fundamental belief in the vital role played by deliberate, personal action to affect change in the world. Reinhold Wagnleitner, a professor at the University of Salzburg and a perennial faculty member of the ISP sessions, will be revisiting the United States once again to give his celebrated lecture entitled "Jazz: the Classical Music of Globalisation". Wagnleitner is an esteemed commentator on American history and an avid jazz enthusiast, and each of these passions is on display in his presentation, which neatly demonstrates the transnational cultural exchange exemplified by jazz music. In earlier iterations of this performance, which has been described by multiple audiences as an exercise in "infotainment," Wagnleitner has assayed lecture in conjunction with his brother Gunter and alternately with pianist Tom McDermott, who is featured in the current national tour.

The format of the presentation is intentionally simple, such that the creativity and import of its message are highlighted. Wagnleitner will conduct a survey of the history of jazz music, with particular reference to its spirit of rebellion, its potential as a tool of unification, and its global appeal. McDermott's performances of thematically relevant jazz pieces pepper the lecture, which, combined with Wagnleitner's flair for showmanship, serves to supplement the archetypically dense university lecture with a unique emotional appeal.

Wagnleitner will also showcase another of his keynote lectures, entitled "The United States of America and the World: Views from a Distance". This piece is decidedly of a more formal bent, as it provides a broad compilation of and commentary on some extra-national views of the United States. A thoroughly researched production, this presentation includes some startling statistical figures, provocative news items, poignant interview statements, insightful pop culture materials, and a massive amount of otherwise disparate information which correlates with the topic of the United States' tumultuous image over the past decade.

The information listed below is of three kinds. First, an outline of the tour dates and sites can be found, along with the type of lecture that will be given on that occasion. Following that list is a brief directory which contains the contact persons at each respective institution. Any interest in attending a performance, including further questions and reservation requests, should be directed to those listed. Finally, there are several links that will direct you to additional information on Wagnleitner, including his website and recent book regarding jazz music. Comments to this blog entry will also be answered promptly in order to facilitate anyone interested in attending one of the dates on the tour. The Seminar extends its warmest congratulations and best wishes to both Reinhold Wagnleitner and Tom McDermott, as they embark on yet another exciting trip around the United States!

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List of tour dates:

2 February 2009
Tarrant County College District South Campus, Fort Worth, Texas

“The United States of America and the World: Views from a Distance"

3 February 2009
Tarrant County College District North East Campus, Fort Worth, Texas
Informance: “Jazz – the Classical Music of Globalization” featuring Tom McDermott

5 February 2009
Houston Community College, Texas
Informance: “Jazz – the Classical Music of Globalization” featuring Tom McDermott

5 February 2009

Houston Community College, Texas

“The United States of America and the World: Views from a Distance”

10 February 2009
Santa Monica College Main Campus, Santa Monica, California
“The United States of America and the World: Views from a Distance”

10 February 2009
Santa Monica College Performing Arts Campus, Santa Monica, California
Informance: “Jazz – the Classical Music of Globalization” featuring Tom McDermott

11 February 2009
Santa Monica College; Main Stage Theater, Santa Monica, California
Informance: “Jazz – the Classical Music of Globalization” featuring Tom McDermott

12 February 2009
San José State University, Salzburg Program
Informance: “Jazz – the Classical Music of Globalization” featuring Tom McDermott

16 February 2009
San José State University, Salzburg Program
“The United States of America and the World: Views from a Distance”

18 February 2009
Richland College, Dallas
“Satchmo Meets Amadeus” featuring Tom McDermott

18 February 2009
Richland College, Dallas
“The United States of America and the World: Views from a Distance”

19 February 2009
Richland College, Dallas
Informance: “Jazz – the Classical Music of Globalization” featuring Tom McDermott

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For more information or for ticket inquiries, please contact:

Tarrant County Community College

CAROLYN.CARNEY@tccd.edu; JANE.HARPER@tccd.edu;

Houston Community College
kent.mcgaughy@hccs.edu; linda.cook@hccs.edu

Santa Monica College
NEVEAU_JUDY@smc.edu;

San José State University
reckmeyer@sbcglobal.net

Richland College
stevem@dcccd.edu; GNapoles@dcccd.edu;

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Additional Resources:

Book: Satchmo Meets Amadeus by Reinhold Wagnleitner

Website: Satchmo Meets Amadeus by Reinhold Wagnleitner

Visit Us: Reinhold Wagnleitner

Tom McDermott

Salzburg Global Seminar

D. Travis Campbell