The symposium will explore the shared roots of Blues and Gospel, emphasizing the heritage of African American Chicago. The program brings together an eclectic mix of distinguished scholars and musicians (Timuel Black, Sterling Plumpp, Portia Maultsby, Horace Maxile, James Abbington, Mrs. Willie Dixon, Jim O'Neal, Gayle Dean Wardlow, Scott Barretta, Billy Branch,Paul Garon, Larry Taylor, James Wheeler, David Whiteis among others). In addition to the academic presentations and panels,the symposium will offer a tour of historic Bronzeville with a stop at the site of Chess Recording Studios (now the Blues Heaven Foundation); Raeburn Flerlage blues photography and outsider art exhibits; blues and gospel educational workshops; receptions with nationally known performers;a Friday evening concert featuring Gospel and Soul Blues legend Otis Clay with opening act by Chicago Blues diva, Sharon Lewis; a multimedia closing session tracing the music's footprints with a griot, krunk dancing,the dozens, spoken word poetry and hip hop; and a Saturday night fish fry and blues club crawl. Check the website, email or call for program information, registration and lodging reservations.