Hellfighters

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Discover & Celebrate James Reese Europe

369th Infantry "Harlem Hellfighters"

Lt. James Reese Europe was an American ragtime and early jazz bandleader, arranger, and composer. In 1918, Lt. James Reese Europe made military and music history by being the first African American to lead troops into battle during World War I and to spread the 'jazz germ' throughout continental Europe. Mr. Europe obtained a Commission in the New York Army National Guard, where he saw combat as a Lieutenant with the 369th Infantry Regiment, the "Harlem Hellfighters,” the band that he directed to great acclaim.

Discover the Harlem Hellfighters Saturday, February 4, 2012
An afternoon of FREE panels, film screening and film retrospective on the influence of James Reese Europe & the 369th Infantry (aka the Harlem Hellfighters) and early jazz during World World One. Host: Gregory Thomas

	*Men of Bronze* A film by William Miles Saturday, February 4 at 1PM - FREE MEN OF BRONZE is the definitive story of the black American soldiers of the 369th combat regiment, known as the "Harlem Hellfighters," who served with the French Army in World War I. Although relegated to non-combat duty by the U.S. Command, the 369th was sent to France and spent more time in front-line trenches than any other American infantry unit. Fighting alongside French, Moroccan and Senegalese soldiers at the campaigns of Champagne-Marne and Meuse-Argonne, the courageous men of the 369th distinguished themselves in some of the fiercest battles of the Great War. MEN OF BRONZE uses photographs, interviews with veterans, and film from the French and American National Archives to recount the sage of the "Harlem Hellfighters," offering an inspiring tribute to these unsung heroes and an unforgettable look at World War I. 60 min.

	Soldiers of the 369th Panel Discussion Saturday, February 4 at 2PM - FREE Panel Discussion and Q&A on the 369th infantry, the African-American and Latino soldiers serving in WWI, James Reese Europe's legacy & influence on the use of jazz in Post-WWI U.S. Foreign Policy. 75 min. Moderator: Gregory Thomas Panelists: Marvin Haire, George Richardson, General Nathan James. Marvin Haire is the Director - DRCI, Delta Research Institute, Mississippi Valley State University. Marvin will focus on James Reese Europe's legacy & influence on the use of jazz in Post-WWI U.S. Foreign Policy. He will likely design and present a customized PowerPoint presentation w/ narrative, visual imagery and music. George Richardson is an activist and co-founder Periscope Associates, which markets books, films, exhibits, and special events aimed at inspiring pride in the African American community.

	James Reese Europe Film Retrospective Saturday, February 4 at 5PM - FREE A look at film clips of Lt. James Reese Europe and the Harlem Hellfighters. Curated by Krin Gabbard. 60 min. Moderator: Gregory Thomas Krin Gabbard is a Professor of Comparative Literature and English at the State University of New York at Stony Brook. He is the author of Hotter Than That: The Trumpet, Jazz, and American Culture, Jammin’ at the Margins: Jazz and the American Cinema , Psychiatry and the Cinema and Black Magic: White Hollywood and African American Culture.

	Music of James Reese Europe Saturday, February 4 at 6PM - FREE Panel Discussion and Q&A. This panel will look at James Reese Europe's music and musical influence in France, as well as the instruments used by the soldiers. There will be a filmed-preview of Randy Weston performing a musical piece of James Reese Europe's music. 90 min. Panelists: Sergeant Herbert Trimble, George Richardson. Sergeant Herbert Trimble is the curator and archivist of the 369th. George Richardson is an activist and co-founder Periscope Associates, which markets books, films, exhibits, and special events aimed at inspiring pride in the African American community.

	RANDY WESTON AFRICAN RHYTHMS ORCHESTRA CELEBRATE JAMES REESE EUROPE & THE HARLEM HELLFIGHTERS Saturday, February 25, at 8PM
	Upper Mezzanine $35 Lower Mezzanine $45 Side Orchestra $45 Center Orchestra $55 Students, seniors save $10 off (in mezzanine section only) NEA Jazz Master Randy Weston - Randy Weston, internationally renowned pianist, composer and bandleader, has performed throughout the world. "Weston has the biggest sound of any jazz pianist since Ellington and Monk as well as the richest most inventive beat." – Stanley Crouch, Jazz Critic. Randy Weston returns to BMCC Tribeca PAC after a successful concert here this past November 2010, as well as the panel event Cornel West and Randy Weston: Jazzmen in the World of Ideas October 2010 (that was broadcast on WNYC). African Rhythms Orchestra: Randy Weston - bandleader, piano, T.K.Blue — saxophones, Benny Powell — trombone, Neil Clarke — percussion, Alex Blake — bass, Howard Johnson — tuba, Vincent Ector — drum, Ayodele Ankhtawi Maakheru — banjo and Robert Trowers - trombone.

		NEA Jazz Masters Live is a program of the National Endowment for the Arts in a partnership with Arts Midwest that celebrates the living legends who have made exceptional contributions to the advancement of jazz.

BIOGRAPHIES
George Richardson is a lifelong civil rights activist who served in the New Jersey state Legislature for 8 years. In 1968, with his partner Ingrid frank, they launched Periscope Associates, a public affairs group to produce campaigns that promote racial and social healing. In the 70's Periscope produced campaigns in support of Dick Gregory and Muhammad Ali' when they were barred from work for their opposition to the Viet Nam War; sponsored the first Black Rodeo in New York and published "Get Up, You're Not Dead!" exposing President Nixon's drug cover-up. In 1994 George worked with General Nathaniel James to enlist 2 dozen black Generals to march up 5th avenue to support and promote the 369th Harlem Hellfighters, and in 2003, they worked with the French Consul General to organized Vive La Harlem a campaign to strengthen French-American relations