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National Endowment for the Arts Produces Jazz and Literature "Moments" for XM Satellite RadioArts Endowment, XM give public more exposure to musicians and writers January 10, 2007
With an eye – or ear – towards giving the public more information about great jazz artists and writers, the National Endowment for the Arts is producing a steady stream of jazz and literature "moments" which are being aired by XM Satellite Radio, Inc. on 12 of its channels including CNN, Take 5, Oprah and Friends, and Fox News. "These are beautifully produced, entertaining, informative pieces that put the arts back in the public conversation where they belong," said NEA Chairman Dana Gioia. "We thought, wouldn't it be great to hear Herbie Hancock's seminal 'Watermelon Man', and then hear him talk about it? Or to listen to a stellar actor such as Anthony Hopkins read great poetry by Yeats? In 60 to 90 seconds, we highlight artists, such as NEA Jazz Masters Herbie Hancock, Chico Hamilton, and Sonny Rollins and literary giants such as F. Scott Fitzgerald, Dylan Thomas, and Langston Hughes." The NEA moments, which currently consist of 17 literary segments and 31 jazz segments, will run in random rotation on XM channels. The segments are short interviews with legendary and contemporary artists about their own work and that of other artists. They include musical samples, historical information, and first person anecdotes designed to give listeners added insight into the artists and their art. The moments also will highlight NEA jazz-related programs such as NEA Jazz Masters and NEA literary programs such as Poetry Out Loud, the Big Read, and Operation Homecoming. Shirlitta Trinity Colón, XM Senior Director of Jazz Programming noted, "There is nothing more powerful than to hear in their own words, some of the greats, past and present, share their experiences and stories. These moments are truly remarkable and XM is proud to be a part of this project." In addition to the jazz and literary moments, the NEA plans to add "arts moments" which will highlight NEA-supported events by local arts organizations around the country.
National Endowment for the Arts · an independent federal agency |