Burdick Military History Symposium on Culture and WWI at San Jose State April 15th

By Dr. Jonathan Roth
Professor of History, San Jose State University

The Annual Burdick Military History Symposium, on Culture and WW1, will be held Sunday April 15th on the San Jose State University Campus.

The California State Military Reserve Band will bring to life the fascinating and forgotten tale of Jim Europe. Attendance is free, and open to the public.

A leading African-American musician and soldier, Europe's enormous talents helped shape the transition from ragtime to jazz and consequently broke down color barriers.

All of the music performed are historically accurate compositions and scores as played by Jim Europe’s ensembles, using instruments common to the period to accurately reproduce the music as it sounded 100 years ago.

There will also be panel discussion to explore the legacy of James Reese Europe, by leading historians.

As part of the upcoming exhibit and Armistice Day event at the San Francisco Veterans Building, we are leading an effort to identify family members of those Bay Area soldiers and sailors who gave their life for their country in World War One.

2018 Charles Burdick Memorial Military History Symposium:

Culture and WW1

Sunday, April 15, 2018, San Jose State University

Afternoon Panel, 1:00 To 4:00
Engineering Auditorium

"American Poetry In The Great War"
Dr. Karen English, San Jose State University


"Otto Dix: Combat Veteran And Avant-Garde Painter"
Dr. Kimberly Schafer
Academy Of Arts University, San Francisco


Film: Shoulder Arms (1919) by Charlie Chaplin (46 minutes)
Introduction By Dr. English

Evening Concert, 5:00 To 7:00
Concert Hall (Music 176)


"From Ragtime To Jazz: The Music Of James Reese Europe"
California State Military Reserve Band
Presented By Cw2 James Lamb

Free and open to the public. For the concert, reserve free tickets by going to https://www.eventbrite.com/e/from-ragtime-to-jazz-the-music-of-james-reese-europe-tickets-43523007487

For information please contact Dr. Jonathan Roth at jonathan.roth@sjsu.edu or (408) 924-5505.