Theaster Gates and Ayana Contreras: The Sound of Johnson Publishing Company
@ Stony Island Arts Bank
6760 S Stony Island Ave, Chicago, IL 60649
Opening Saturday, September 14th, from 3PM - 4PM
Join us for an enlightening discussion exploring the legacy of the Johnson Publishing Company (JPC) and its profound impact on Black music and culture. Cultural historian Ayana Contreras and Rebuild Foundation’s founder and executive director Theaster Gates will delve into the rich history of iconic publications like Jet and Ebony and discuss how they celebrated and elevated Black musicians. Learn about the intimate connections John and Eunice Johnson had with legendary artists, the vibrant world of Black radio during the JPC era, and how the company’s influence is felt to this day in Black musical life of Chicago and the country.
This program is part of Gates’s newest exhibition When Clouds Roll Away, on view at the Stony Island Arts Bank beginning September 13th, 2024. Learn more about the exhibition at rebuild-foundation.org/exhibitions.
The program is free and will be preceded by a DJ set by Ayana Contreras at 2:00pm.
Guests are invited to stay afterward for an evening of music in the Johnson Lounge curated by DJ Twelve Gage.
Agenda
2:00 PM – 3:00 PM
DJ set: Ayana Contreras
3:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Theaster Gates & Ayana Contreras in conversation
4:00 PM – 8:00 PM
DJ Twelve Gage spins in the Johnson Lounge
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Tags: Ayana Contreras, Chicago, Johnson Publishing, South Shore, Stony Island Arts Bank, The Sound of Johnson Publishing Company, Theaster Gates, Theaster Gates and Ayana Contreras: The Sound of Johnson Publishing Company, Theaster Gates: When Clouds Roll Away: Reflection and Restoration from the Johnson Archive
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