Source: Walter Dodds, 785-532-6998, wkdodds@k-state.edu
http://www.k-state.edu/media/mediaguide/bios/doddsbio.html
News release prepared by: Emily Vietti, 785-532-2535, evietti@k-state.edu

Monday, Sept. 20, 2010

BLUES LECTURE AND PERFORMANCE TO CAP OFF COMMUNITY CULTURAL HARMONY WEEK

MANHATTAN-- Adam Gussow, an associate professor of English and Southern studies at the University of Mississippi, will give a lecture to cap off Community Cultural Harmony Week at Kansas State University.

Gussow will present "It's All Mississippi to Me: Promoting the Blues and Forging Beloved Community in the Contemporary South" at 10:30 a.m. Friday, Sept. 24, in the Leadership Studies Building's Town Hall. The lecture is free and open to the public.

Gussow will talk about his experience as the founder and producer of Hill Country Harmonica, a blues-focused event that took place in north Mississippi this past spring. Drawing on his training as a scholar of African-American literature and culture, he'll speak frankly about race relations in the contemporary South, and offer a message of hope for those seeking to increase the peace.

In addition to his academic credentials, Gussow is a professional harmonica player and master teacher. He will perform at Pat’s Blue Rib'n Barbecue, 1200 Moro St., with Wayne Goins, K-State professor of music, and the Red State Blues Band starting at 9 p.m. Sept. 24. He will perform material from his new CD "Kick and Stomp." The performance is free but limited to adults 21 and older.

As a member of the blues duo Satan and Adam for more than 20 years, Gussow has played all the major blues, jazz and folk festivals; recorded three CDs for Flying Fish Records; and been featured on the cover of Living Blues magazine. He has produced instructional videos on YouTube that have received more than 6 million views.

More information about the lecture and performance are available from Walter Dodds at wkdodds@k-state.edu.