In this hybrid talk and saxophone performance, teaching artist Albert Rivera will take us through a brief history of jazz from the 1930s through the present day. He’ll discuss how different styles of jazz were created in response to the socio-economic and political themes of certain decades and how jazz music shaped the sounds of music we hear today.

About the instructor: Described by WNPR’s Owen McNally as “A modern Jazz messenger,” saxophonist Albert Rivera has been a consistent force on a national and international level since finalizing his studies at The New School University Jazz and Contemporary Music Program. Born and raised in the Bronx, Albert is a recipient of a Chamber Music America Residency award, an ASCAP Young Jazz Composers Award, and most recently a City Arts Corp Grant. He is the current Director of Operations at the Litchfield Jazz Camp and serves on the Jazz Faculty at SUNY Purchase.