Creighton University’s Black Studies and American Studies Programs, with the support of the Nebraska Arts Council, will sponsor a symposium in honor of the late Preston Love, April 6, 2005, on the history and performance of jazz in Omaha.

In addition to playing with Count Basie and his orchestra, Omaha native and life-long resident, Preston Love played with Billie Holiday, Ray Charles, the Temptations, Smokey Robinson, Diana Ross, Stevie Wonder, and Aretha Franklin over the course of a long career.

We invite 2-3 page abstracts and short (2 pages) c.v.s on any aspect of jazz music in Omaha (particulars of the form, forgotten players, remembered players, remarkable events, history, venues, impact, etc.) by January 15, 2005 to: Greg Zacharias (contact information given below).

The symposium will be open to the public.

Sponsors of the symposium will offer an honorarium and provide partial support for the travel and lodging of those whose papers have been accepted.

Accepted papers will be considered for possible publication in a book on Omaha jazz and history.