Rhythm Changes: Jazz and National Identities conference 2011
1-4 September 2011, Amsterdam
The first Rhythm Changes conference takes place in September 2011 and is hosted in partnership with the Conservatory of Amsterdam. Rhythm Changes is a three-year EU Framework 7 research project, funded in the HERA programme, looking at jazz music 
and European cultural dynamics. The three-day conference explores the theme of ‘Jazz and National Identities’ and includes presentations from an international line-up of jazz researchers.
We are full of anticipation and excitement about the conference, which has been a year in the planning. Full programme information is available here.
Opening Concert Bimhuis
The Conference will open with a welcome reception and double-concert in the legendary Amsterdam jazz venue Bimhuis, on Thursday September 1.
The concert opens with Tin Men and the Telephone, one of the hippest, hottest bands out of the Conservatory of Amsterdam. It continues with the top-notch Dutch improv quartet MOORE/JANSSEN/GLERUM/ JANSSEN/VAN GEEL – with Michael Moore (reeds), Oene van Geel (viola), Guus Janssen (piano), Ernst Glerum (bass), and Wim Janssen (drums).
Keynote Speakers
Professor Bruce Johnson (Universities of Macquarie, Turku and Glasgow)
Professor Ronald Radano (University of Wisconsin-Madison)
Conference outline
Throughout its history, jazz has played an important part in discourses about national identity, politics and cultural value; indeed, the music continues to play a complex role in the cultural life of nations worldwide. Within this context, jazz may be an ideal cultural form in which to explore a number of critical questions bound up with national identity, from the development of national sounds and ensembles to the politics of migration and race, from the impact of globalisation and the hybridisation of musical styles to the creation of social institutions and distinct communities, from jazz’s shifting aesthetic status from popular to canonical ‘art’ music.
Jazz has developed in a range of national settings through different influences and interactions, so is ideally placed to explore wider issues surrounding identity and inheritance, enabling unique perspectives on how culture is exchanged, adopted and transformed.
Conference Committee
Nicholas Gebhardt (University of Lancaster)
George McKay (University of Salford)
Walter van de Leur (Conservatory of Amsterdam and University of Amsterdam)
Loes Rusch (University of Amsterdam)
Tony Whyton (University of Salford).