FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Media Contacts:
Lauren Noel, The Historic New Orleans Collection
504.556.7655
laurenn@hnoc.org

Gretchen Hirt Gendron, Gambel Communications
504.324.4242
gretchen@gambelpr.com

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*** CALENDAR LISTING ***MEDIA ALERT***

Gwen Thompkins to discuss Danny Barker's "A Life in Jazz" at Hubbell Library

WHO: Gwen Thompkins, journalist, host of public radio's "Music Inside Out" and contributor to the new illustrated edition of Danny Barker's "A Life in Jazz" (The Historic New Orleans Collection, 2016)

WHAT: A book presentation and signing for "A Life in Jazz," the third volume of THNOC's Louisiana Musicians Biography Series

WHEN: Tuesday, July 11, 2017 • 6:30 p.m.

WHERE: Cita Dennis Hubbell Branch, New Orleans Public Library • 725 Pelican Ave. in Algiers Point

HOW: Admission is free; the book retails for $39.95. For details, visit www.hubbelllibrary.org or call (504) 596-3113.

WHY: Journalist Gwen Thompkins, host of public radio's "Music Inside Out" and a contributor to the new edition of Danny Barker's "A Life in Jazz" (The Historic New Orleans Collection, 2016), will discuss the book and sign copies at the Cita Dennis Hubbell Branch of the New Orleans Public Library on Tuesday, July 11, at 6:30 p.m.
A beloved icon of New Orleans jazz, Barker (1909-1994) performed for more than 60 years, appeared on thousands of recordings and penned dozens of original songs. His autobiography, "A Life in Jazz," was first published in 1986 and captures both his expansive knowledge of music and his insightful storytelling.
The new illustrated edition of "A Life in Jazz," released in December 2016 by THNOC, features an introduction by Thompkins, more than 100 images, a complete discography and a never-before-published song catalog. In addition, "A Life in Jazz" now features updated information and new details from the book's original editor, Alyn Shipton, a jazz historian, musician and BBC Radio host.
Thompkins will discuss Barker's life and legacy as a standard-bearer of New Orleans culture at Hubbell Library, located at 725 Pelican Ave. in Algiers Point. The program is free, and refreshments will be available. The book, which retails for $39.95, will be available for purchase, and a signing will follow Thompkins's presentation. For more information, visit www.hubbelllibrary.org or call 504.596.3113.

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About The Historic New Orleans Collection
Founded in 1966, The Historic New Orleans Collection is a museum, research center and publisher dedicated to the study and preservation of the history and culture of New Orleans and the Gulf South. For more information, visit www.hnoc.org or call 504.523.4662.