The University of Rochester’s Institute for Popular Music kicks off its 2015-2016 “In Performance” series on Saturday, Oct. 17, with a tribute concert to American rock music.
1965 marks the 50th anniversary of what rock historians, like John Covach, consider to be one of the most progressive years in the history of rock music.
“In early 1964, the music industry in America was taken by storm by four lads from Liverpool, which paved the way for the British Invasion,” said Covach, director of the University’s Institute for Popular Music and the newly created Institute for Performing Arts. “So in 1965 musicians in the U.S. responded with the creation of new genres of music by new artists like Bob Dylan, the Beach Boys, and Sonny and Cher.
To celebrate this milestone in music history, a special tribute concert will take place on Oct. 17 at 8 p.m. in Strong Auditorium featuring Rochester’s classic ’60s rock band, the Smooth Talkers, along with faculty and students from the University’s Department of Music. The concert is free and open to the public.
For more information about the IPM and upcoming events, contact Elaine Stroh at estroh@ur.rochester.edu or call 585. 275.9397.
About the Institute for Popular Music
The Institute for Popular Music was established in 2012 to encourage and support the study and performance of popular music through lectures, books, articles, and concerts. Over the past two years the institute’s offerings have expanded to include virtual conferences and workshops, as well as a “In Conversation” series, which features talks with artists like John Densmore from The Doors and singer, songwriter, and television personality, Kara DioGuardi.
About the University of Rochester
The University of Rochester (www.rochester.edu) is one of the nation’s leading private universities. Located in Rochester, N.Y., the University gives students exceptional opportunities for interdisciplinary study and close collaboration with faculty through its unique cluster-based curriculum. Its College, School of Arts and Sciences, and Hajim School of Engineering and Applied Sciences are complemented by its Eastman School of Music, Simon School of Business, Warner School of Education, Laboratory for Laser Energetics, School of Medicine and Dentistry, School of Nursing, Eastman Institute for Oral Health, and the Memorial Art Gallery.
