A Tribute to Oscar Brown Jr.

About This Event

Oscar Brown Jr. (1926–2005) was an American singer-songwriter, poet, playwright, and civil rights activist known for blending jazz with astute social commentary. Born in Chicago, he gained national attention with his debut 1960 album Sin & Soul, which featured politically charged songs like “Bid ’Em In” and “Signifyin’ Monkey.” Brown used his music and writing to address issues such as racism, poverty, and inequality. Beyond music, he wrote plays, musicals, and poetry, and remained active in political and cultural movements throughout his life. “Where I confront hate I will exemplify love. In the face of ugliness, I will present beauty. As an antidote to lies, I will reveal the truth. Boisterous, bellicose noises must be diminished by hip harmonies set to moving rhythms and messages. War can only be overcome by a mighty pressure for peace, of which I can only be a small part. But all that I can, I will do, largely through my songs and verses, everywhere continually by any means available now, or in the future.” - OBJ donnie l. betts is a 3x Emmy award-winning documentary filmmaker, theater director, and podcast host. His documentary “Music is My Life, My Politics, My Mistress: The Story of Oscar Brown Jr.” won 11 Best Film or Audience Choice awards, aired on PBS Plus. The film was featured in IDA Doc Magazine and is part of the Black Film Archives at Indiana University streaming on kweli.tv. His film “Dearfield: The Road Less Traveled,” about the all-Black Colorado town, was nominated for an Emmy. betts received an Emmy Award for his film “My Voice” on hip hop artist and activist Jeff Campbell, and was winner of the Governor’s Award for Excellence in the Arts. He was part of the producing team for the launch of BET’s Starz in Black. betts has created content for John Sayles, and he is a founding member of two theater companies in Denver: City Stage Ensemble and Denver Black Arts Company. His audio drama series Destination Freedom Black Radio Days heard on Broadway Podcast Network now Spotify and all platforms has won numerous awards. He was a producer of “The Holly,” a film that looks at police corruption, winning a Heartland Emmy and national Emmy. Currently betts is at work on “Resisting,” a look at the use of force in America. He attended Yale School of Drama. Pianist Bob Schlesinger - From classical roots in Topeka, KS to the rock scenes of Denver, Bob Schlesinger’s musical evolution is a study in versatility. A protégé of jazz luminary Ted Alexander, Bob’s career spans jazz festivals, R&B clubs, and film composition. His latest tour de force recording, Falling from Earth, showcases his mastery of soulful ballads and blistering improvisation. Always pushing boundaries, Bob continues to explore the limitless possibilities of sound and collaboration. Poet Jeff Campbell has been creating compelling performance art in the Denver area and beyond for over 30 years, while always leveraging his platform as an artist for social commentary and civic engagement, as a direct service provider and as a grassroots organizer. From touring Hip Hop artist and poet, to writing, and producing his own stage plays, Jeff has been an influence to the creative landscape of Denver across genres and mediums. He has inspired artists to follow his lead in becoming instructors throughout Colorado school districts, and has spearheaded advocacy campaigns utilizing art as a means to address police brutality and the mistreatment of people experiencing homelessness. In addition to creating art in many forms, Campbell is the founder of the Emancipation Theater Company in Denver, CO. SCHEDULE ____________________________ 2:00-4:15pm - donnie l. betts lecture, screening of “Music is My Life, My Politics, My Mistress: The Story of Oscar Brown Jr.,” Q&A 4:15-6:00pm Food trucks & social 6:00-7:15pm - live music from the Bob Schlesinger quartet (feat. Erica Brown on vocals) and spoken word poetry by Jeff Campbell ________________________________ The event is FREE but registration is required. Walkups are very welcome, we can register you at the door. ______________________________________________________