Finding Marie: A Story of Tubas, Trains, and Tenacity
Date/Time
Date(s) - 11/13/2024
12:00 pm - 1:00 pm
Location
Old Baptist Foundation Southern Illinois Univ.
Categories
Guest Lecturer Dr. Joanna Hersey, Tuba
It began with one photo, and the wish to uncover the story of a young woman, one of thousands who left their homes across the United States to join bands during the 1930s. It was a heyday of bustling activity, as women joined one band, and then the next,seeking higher pay, better direction, nicer clubs, to follow a sister or friend. The experience gained as they adjusted to various leaders, styles,audiences, and sections was invaluable. Telling women’s stories requires flexibility, ingenuity, problem-solving, and more than a few leaps of faith.This presentation will outline successes (and flops) in this detective story inspired by the life of Marie Backstrom. Marie and her tuba toured with the Harlem Playgirls, a twelve piece African-American women’s dance band traveling the nation from 1935 to 1940. Discover what momentous event prompted a 600 mile move, how she learned the tuba, and how striking train workers in Iowa caused another pivotal change. Come backstage for a look at the beautiful journey of researching strong women in music, as we find Marie, and honor her story, and the work of her generation in shaping the swing era.
Free Event Sponsored by SIU Fine Arts Activity Fee