Centennial: 100 Years of Charles Mingus

Charles Mingus (1922-1979), bassist and composer, was not only one of the greatest jazz musicians and jazz ensemble leaders of all time, but also one of the most important American musicians of the 20th century.  We now celebrate his Centennial with an eclectic two-hour virtual event, combining readings, commentary, reminiscences, and performance.  We are very fortunate to have such an outstanding group for this event.

Our participants today will include Eric Mingus, acclaimed musician, recording artist, and son of Charles Mingus;  Kei Akagi, Chancellor’s Professor of Music and Director of Jazz Studies, UCI, and former member of the Miles Davis band; Geoff Dyer, widely recognized as one of the most important writers of his generation and author of “But Beautiful (A Book About Jazz)”, which  “may be the best book ever written about jazz” (LA Times); Charles McPherson, legendary alto saxophonist who played with Charles Mingus as a member of his ensemble for more than a decade; Teodross “Teo” Avery, acclaimed tenor saxophonist and Director of the Jazz Program at California State University, Dominguez Hills; and Morris Eagle, internationally renowned psychoanalyst and author who was manager of Charles Mingus during the 1950’s and maintained a friendship with Mingus over the course of decades.  Douglas Haynes, UCI Vice Chancellor for Equity, Diversity and Inclusion, will provide welcoming remarks.   Event organizer Mark Fisher, UCI Professor of Neurology, will host.si

Event Image:

Top Row:  Eric Mingus, Charles McPherson, Geoff Dyer

Bottom Row:  Teo Avery, Kei Akagi, Morris Eagle