The Historic New Orleans Collection (HNOC) is proud to announce the 25th annual Bill Russell Lecture, titled “Lineages,” which will delve into the intricate world of musical mentorships. Sponsored by the Derbes Foundation, this unique event combines performance and conversation to explore how musicians learn from their predecessors, both directly and through historical archives.

What: 25th Annual Bill Russell Lecture, “Lineages”
Where: HNOC’s Williams Research Center, 410 Chartres St., New Orleans, LA 70130
When: Saturday, April 10, from 6-7 p.m.
How: Tickets are $20 for adults and $5 for students, available for purchase in advance at hnoc.org.

The lecture program will feature scored arrangements and improvisations inspired by materials found within the William Russell Jazz Collection at HNOC. This collection, named in honor of modernist composer and jazz historian William Russell, contains a wealth of jazz memorabilia, recordings, sheet music, photographs, and more that trace the development of jazz in New Orleans and beyond.

The “Lineages” lecture will be presented by the New Orleans–based music and arts collective Alluvium Ensemble, with insights from composer Roger Dickerson. Soloists Sarah Quintana, Chris Trapani, Tara Melvin, and Tyrone Chambers II will be featured, accompanied by a talented ensemble directed by B.K. Zervigon.

“The Bill Russell Lecture series is a celebration of New Orleans jazz and the rich musical heritage of our city,” said a representative from HNOC. “We are thrilled to mark the 25th anniversary of this lecture by exploring the vital role of mentorships in shaping musical traditions.”

The William Russell Jazz Collection, housed at HNOC’s Williams Research Center, is a treasure trove of resources for researchers and enthusiasts interested in the history and evolution of jazz music. It includes notes, recordings, programs, posters, correspondence, films, and more, providing a comprehensive view of Russell’s lifelong dedication to studying and preserving jazz traditions.

Established in 1966, HNOC is a museum, research center, and publisher dedicated to preserving and sharing the history and culture of New Orleans and the Gulf South.

For tickets and more information about the 25th annual Bill Russell Lecture, visit hnoc.org.