Xavier University and its Culture of New Orleans Series presents the next program in their series New Orleans: Home of the Blues, which will be held on Sunday, March 15. The program features live music performed by legendary musicians as well as a discussion on the history and significance in New Orleans.

Spotlight performers and discussion participants include Chris Thomas King, Dr. Michael White with his Original Liberty Jazz Band, and Topsy Chapman. Chris Thomas King is a highly regarded blues guitarist, singer, and actor, who has starred in movies like Oh Brother Where Art Thou (2000), Ray (2004), Kill Switch (2008), and Imagination Movers (2010). In addition to his work in film, King has been featured on over two dozen recordings and regularly tours and performs around the world. Featured guest Dr. Michael White is a New Orleans clarinetist and music historian who has created a legacy for himself in New Orleans as being at the forefront of early New Orleans jazz music. White’s distinct clarinet style has been heard on over 80 recordings and he has toured and performed all over the country and abroad. Notably, Dr. Michael White is the Keller Endowed Chair in the Humanities at Xavier in addition to being a professor. Performing with Dr. Michael White is acclaimed singer Topsy Chapman, known for her starring performance in the musical One Mo’ Time and her performances with her daughters in her group, Solid Harmony. 

New Orleans: Home of the Blues will take place on Sunday, March 15 at 3:00 in the Xavier University Student Center’s McCaffrey Ballroom on the third floor. The event is free and open to the public.