Kurt Dietrich will discuss jazz in Wisconsin March 3

Professor Emeritus of Music Kurt Dietrich will discuss his book Wisconsin Riffs: Jazz Profiles from the Heartland March 3 via a Facebook Live presentation. The talk will begin at 7 p.m. on the Wisconsin Historical Society Press Facebook page.

The publisher describes Dietrich’s book: “Although New York City, Los Angeles and Chicago are often considered the epicenters of American jazz, this extensive, upbeat compilation of jazz musician biographies details Wisconsin’s rich association the genre since the inception of the genre in the early 1900s. Iconic musicians Bunny Berigan, Woody Herman, Les Paul and Al Jarreau all hailed from Wisconsin, as have many other influential players, composers and teachers.

“Wisconsin Riffs features these musicians side by side — from the world-renowned to obscure regional artists — to portray a comprehensive history of jazz in Wisconsin.”

Dietrich retired as professor of music and the Barbara Baldwin De Frees Professor of Performing Arts at Ripon College in 2019 after teaching here for 39 years. He also was thr trombonist with the ensemble Matrix, with which he recorded for RCA, Warner Brothers, Pablo and Summit Records.

He continues to do freelance playing, in both jazz and classical groups. His first book, Duke’s ‘Bones: Ellington’s Great Trombonists, was published in 1995. His second book, Jazz ‘Bones: The World of Jazz Trombone, appeared in 2005. He also has contributed to Annual Review of Jazz Studies, Black Music Research Journal, International Dictionary of Black Composers and other publications.