International Conference on the Blues October 4, 2019
Delta State University
Cleveland, Mississippi www.deltastate.edu/blues
Review of proposals will begin June 15, 2019
Deadline: Friday, June 28, 2019
Delta State University is now accepting proposals for papers, presentations, lecture-performances, workshops, panels, and clinics for the 6th annual International Conference on the Blues. Suggested topics of interest include but are not limited to:
The Blues
African American musical traditions and influences on American music and culture
Music of the African Diaspora
The influence of gospel, spirituals, and soul music
The music of the American Civil Rights Movement
African American music as social commentary and protest
History and culture of the Mississippi Delta
Topics of an interdisciplinary nature are welcomed.
Papers are invited from scholars, including authors, performers, African American music enthusiasts, and independent researchers. We also welcome young and emerging scholars (graduate students, recent masters and doctoral graduates, and junior faculty).
All presentations will be a maximum of 20 minutes in length, followed by additional time for discussion, and should address a general audience of scholars, students, and blues fans.
Proposals must be submitted online via www.deltastate.edu/blues. Please include a description of the presentation, audio/visual equipment needs, and biographical information for all presenters. Please note that not all A/V requests may be granted. Presenters agree to appear at the conference at their own expense, which will include a registration fee of $100.
The International Conference on the Blues consists of a full day and night of scholarly activity, discourse, and music on the Delta State University campus.
Academic presentations, Blues performances, a "Blues in the Round" jam session open to participants, and concerts add appeal for all audiences. Tickets to a performance by Kool and the Gang, scheduled for Thursday, October 3, may be purchased separately.
Cleveland, Mississippi, recently named by Smithsonian Magazine as #2 of the top 20 small cities to visit in the country, is located approximately two hours from the Memphis (TN) and Jackson (MS) airports. Cleveland, in the heart of the Mississippi Delta, is home to Delta State University and is a ten minute drive from renowned Blues sights including Dockery Farms and Po' Monkey's Lounge.
