FROM STAFF REPORTS

Charles Suhor, an Alabama Humanities Foundation Road Scholar, will present “The Jazz Story – African Roots, American Branches” Jan. 16 at 10 a.m., in the Columbiana Recreation and Senior Center across from the Shelby County High School football stadium.

Suhor will trace he development of early jazz from its African roots to the American scene, debunking some popular myths along the way. Aided by vintage recordings, a photo exhibit, an authentic African “talking drum” and overhead transparencies, Suhor uses non-technical language to bring the sense and sound of early jazz into the 21st century.

Suhor, a New Orleans native, holds a Ph.D and has published numerous books on English teaching and jazz, while also teaching jazz history at Auburn University at Montgomery