Sound installation and events

Opening: April 2, 5–7pm, with LeRonn Brooks

Blues readings: April 10, 17 & 24, noon, 
with Melvin Gibbs, Brandon Ross, and Karma Mayet Johnson

Artists talk: April 17, 3–5pm
Panel: April 24, 2–4pm, moderated by Julie Napolin

Vera List Center for Art and Politics
Hours: 9am–9pm, free

Blues Speaker [for James Baldwin] is a public sound art installation and reading series by artists Mendi + Keith Obadike, presented on the occasion of the conference "What Now? The Politics of Listening." It is dedicated to James Baldwin (1924–1987). The 12-hour, immersive sound artwork is composed of an elongated blues melody, language from Baldwin's writings, ambient recordings from the streets of Harlem, and an inventory of sounds contained in Baldwin's short story "Sonnyʼs Blues."  

Blues Speaker / The Dialogues 
Weekly readings by master blues musicians capture Baldwin's seminal short story "Sonny's Blues." Presented on Fridays at noon in the Social Justice Hub at 63 Fifth Avenue, 5th floor.

Blues Speaker / other events

April 17, 3–5pm

Mendi + Keith Obadike engage in an artists talk with students and the public.

April 24, 2–4pm