FOLLOWING MONK
Celebrating the 90th Anniversary of the N.C. Legend's Birth
6 Weeks, 18 Events,
All Inspired by Monk
The most original musician in jazz history was born in a dirt-road town in the plains of eastern North Carolina, all cotton fields, railroad tracks, and tobacco warehouses. Following Monk retraces a jazz prophet’s links to his native state, returning home to pay respect to a talent that transcends place.
Based at Duke University, just 60 miles from Thelonious Monk’s hometown of Rocky Mount, this six-week celebration honors what would have been Monk’s 90th birthday (October 10, 2007). The focus is on the Carolina roots of the man and his music.
From mid-September through October, artists from all over America will descend on Durham, recalling the visionary composer’s influence and unveiling music and performances that Monk’s innovations have inspired.
Audio Interview: Aaron Greenwald, Director of Duke Performances, and Sam Stephenson, Director of the Center for Documentary Studies Jazz Loft Project, talk with musician Lois Deloatch about the Following Monk Festival:
UPDATED: Two Monk-related Film Screenings
"A Great Day in Harlem" (1994), Dir. Jean Bach
Monday, October 29, 2007 at 8 pm
"Thelonious Monk: Straight No Chaser" (1988), Dir. Charlotte Zwerin
Wednesday, October 31, 2007 at 8 pm
Both film screenings are in Griffith Film Theater and are free & open to the public
Film screenings sponsored by the Film/Video/Digital Program and Duke Performances.
Following Monk festival presented by Duke Performances, the Center for Documentary Studies at Duke University, and the Thelonious Monk Institute of Jazz.
Center for Documentary Studies:
Thelonious Monk Institute of Jazz on the web:
Press Release: Following Monk at Duke University (A Festival of 18 Events over 6 Weeks) Celebrating the NC-born International Jazz Legend (PDF)
Duke Performances offers DP Series Packages that allow you to save up to 20% off single ticket prices. For information on the Following Monk Series packages, including a Complete Following Monk Series package, please click here.