Delta Blues Symposium X: The 1950’s call for papers announced

The Department of English and Philosophy at Arkansas State University in Jonesboro will sponsor the 10th Delta Blues Symposium March 25-27, 2004. The departments of music, political science, and theatre, and the office of the president will assist with the symposium. Presentations on any aspect of Delta life (art, education, folklore, history, music, literature, politics, and sociology) are welcome.

The Delta Blues Symposium is particularly interested in proposals which focus on the seven-state Mississippi River Delta and its culture during the 1950’s. Topics responding specifically to the Symposium X theme might deal with the impact of Brown vs. the Board of Education landmark decision, the decade’s literature and art, the rise of agribusiness, migration from the Delta, rockabilly music, or even the legendary Elvis Presley.

The Delta Blues Symposia have provided opportunities for scholars, artists, performers, and the general public with an interest in the blues and in the Mississippi River Delta to come together to share insights, discuss issues, and celebrate a regional culture. 

Among the presenters at Symposium X will be rock ‘n’ roll pioneers Sonny Burgess and Billy Lee Riley; Joel Williamson, Lineberger Professor in the Humanities at the University of North Carolina; and former U.S. Sen. Dale Bumpers. John Bensko (poetry) and Cary Holladay (fiction) will read from their work and conduct workshops for creative writers.

Proposals for participation should consist of 250-word abstracts for papers and organized panels or a sample of work for creative presentations. The deadline for proposals is Jan. 5, 2004.  Address materials to: Delta Blues Symposium X, Department of English and Philosophy, P.O. Box 1890, State University, Ark., 72467. Or, for more information, please call, 870-972-3043 or fax requests to 870-972-3045 or via email at delta@astate.edu or visit the website at www.clt.astate.edu/blues.

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