Seize the Beat: Book Talk & Signing with Brian Q. Torff

In celebration of the new book Seize the Beat: The Evolution of American Music, join acclaimed musician and Fairfield University professor Brian Q. Torff for a special talk accompanied by live music. Dive into social history of American pop music and trace its development from its African roots to the juke joint, club and concert hall, revealing a culture perpetually reinventing itself to suit the next generation. Book signing to follow.

RSVP recommended. $10 suggested donation.

About the Speaker
Brian Q. Torff is a bassist, composer, harmonica player, author and educator. Currently he is Professor of Music and Music Program Director at Fairfield University. Torff has performed with Frank Sinatra, George Shearing, Erroll Garner, Stephane Grappelli, Marian McPartland, Oliver Nelson, Mary Lou Williams, the Django Reinhart All-Stars, Tony Bennett, Cleo Laine, and the Thad Jones- Mel Lewis Orchestra. He was the Musical Director and arranger for New Duke, an eight-piece horn band that was featured on the national CBS television special, “Christmas Eve at Fairfield University.” In 1992, he served as co-chairperson for the Music Advisory Board for the National Endowment for the Arts and in 2008, Torff was named Artist of the Year by the Fairfield Arts Council. In early 2008, Brian Torff lived in Paris where he wrote In Love with Voices: A Jazz Memoir. Brian Q. Torff’s new recording, Run With Scissors, is available on all platforms. His new book on American music, Seize the Beat: the Evolution of American Music, is published by McFarland Books. He currently leads and performs with the Brian Torff Blues Band.