Multi-award-winning musician Cynthia Sayer offers a new eye-opening performance-lecture on the story of the Jazz Banjo. Widely acclaimed today as one of the world’s premiere jazz banjoists, Cynthia is on a pioneering journey as a woman instrumentalist in jazz who has made it her professional mission to reintroduce the swinging sounds of jazz banjo to audiences around the globe. An inductee in the American Banjo Hall of Fame, Cynthia brings her captivating stage presence to expound on the instrument of choice for some of America’s most popular music stars of the 1920s and 30s. Despite its racial and social implications—or maybe because of it—Jazz Banjo defined the history of musical sounds of Jazz Age speakeasies and gin joints, Vaudeville stages, and concert halls throughout the country. In the course of the evening, she will explore the banjo’s fraught history, such as its widespread identification with minstrel shows, its use as a daring expression of independence for white society women, and as a classical concert instrument elevating its lowly image. Throughout the night, Cynthia will enchant you with electrifying, swing-based performances of several musical selections!

This event is free and open to the public. Seating and entry are first-come, first-served; the line will form at the Atrium’s entrance on Broadway, between 62nd and 63rd Street. 

For more information about this performance, please visit the event website.