Clark Atlanta University’s Jazz 91.9 WCLK will kick off the yearlong celebration of its 50th Anniversary “WCLK AT 50” on Wednesday, April 10, at 3 p.m., with the iconic “Great Day in Atlanta” photograph featuring CAU’s 5th President Dr. George T. French, Jr., and the Honorable Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens.
The photograph will also feature Atlanta’s premiere jazz musicians, including Kathleen Bertrand, Chandra Currelley, Joe Jennings, Ken Ford, Bob Baldwin, Cooper Tisdale, Ryan Kilgore, Phil Davis, Ragan Whiteside, Rhonda Thomas, Julie Dexter, Tony Hightower, Cleveland P. Jones, Joe Alterman, Toni Redd, Brenda Nicole Moorer, Antoine Knight, JFly, Madoca, Carol Albert, Gary Motley, Dee Lucas, Kipper Jones, Milkshake Mayfield, William Green, Dwan Bosman, Lori Williams, and many others.
The photograph will take place on the steps of historic Harkness Hall on the campus of Clark Atlanta University and will also feature other special guests, including former Atlanta Mayors Bill Campbell and Shirley Franklin.
“We’re excited to continue this rich tradition of taking a photograph with Atlanta Mayors and the crème de la crème of the city’s jazz artists. This photograph is even more special because it will feature WCLK jazz hosts, staff and alumni. These iconic voices have helped tell the story of jazz and preserve its legacy,’ says General Manager, Wendy F. Williams.
The festivities continue around the metropolitan area with the “WCLK AT 50” Party at The Perfect Note ATL in Marietta on Wednesday, April 24, at 8 p.m. and featuring 8 x Grammy Award-winning jazz artist, composer, songwriter, and keyboardist, Daniel Weatherspoon.
“The Ville” Fayetteville’s new Amphitheater celebrates WCLK’s 50th on Saturday, May 18, as part of their Summer Concert Series. The evening’s lineup includes nationally syndicated radio personalities and award-winning jazz artists Bob Baldwin and Ragan Whiteside, along with Ken Ford, PJ Spraggins, and Latrese Bush.
Jazz 91.9 will be honored by the Atlanta Jazz Festival with a musical celebration titled “WCLK AT 50” and featuring GRAMMY Award-winning drummer Lil John Roberts and The Senators with An All-Star Band and Special Guests on Friday, May 24, at Atlanta Symphony Hall. The event will chronicle WCLK’s 50-year history through songs with performances by some of Atlanta’s preeminent jazz artists, including Kathleen Bertrand, Phil Davis, Joe Gransden, Rhonda Thomas, DJ Kemit, Tony Hightower, Julie Dexter, Mike Burton, Kebbi Williams, Cleveland Jones, and others. EMMY-nominated writer and poet Jon Goode will serve as the narrator.
“WCLK AT 50” Partners include Clark Atlanta University, The Atlanta Jazz Festival, The Perfect Note ATL, The Ville: Fayetteville Amphitheatre, and The Atlanta Voice.
Other events and initiatives will be announced in the coming week. Stay tuned to Jazz 91.9 WCLK FM and online at www.wclk.dom. If you want to become a partner, please contact Ray Cornelius Cobb directly at 404-880-8017 orrcobb@cau.edu.
About Jazz 91.9 WCLK
Jazz 91.9 WCLK, a 501(c) 3 nonprofit radio station licensed to Clark Atlanta University, is committed to preserving the legacy of Jazz through dynamic Jazz musical selections, cultural programming, and community-focused initiatives. Founded in 1974, Jazz 91.9 WCLK broadcasts a mix of Classic and Contemporary Jazz and Gospel music. WCLK is a nonprofit, member-supported, National Public Radio (NPR) affiliate and Public Radio International (PRI) station that serves the interests of the citizens in Greater Atlanta. For more station information, programming details, and to listen on the Web, please visit: WCLK.com.
About Clark Atlanta University
Clark Atlanta University (CAU) was formed with the consolidation of Atlanta University and Clark College, both of which hold unique places in the annals of African American history. Atlanta University, established in 1865 by the American Missionary Association, was the nation’s first institution to award graduate degrees to African Americans. Clark College, established four years later in 1869, was the nation’s first four-year liberal arts college to serve a primarily African American student population. Today, with nearly 4,000 students, CAU is the largest of the four institutions (CAU, Morehouse College, Spelman College, and Morehouse School of Medicine) that compose the Atlanta University Center Consortium. It is also the largest of the 37-member UNCF institutions. Notable alumni include: James Weldon Johnson, American civil rights activist, poet, and songwriter (Lift Every Voice and Sing, “The Black National Anthem”; Ralph David Abernathy, Sr., American civil rights activist; Congressman Hank Johnson, Georgia District 4; Kenya Barris, American award-winning television and movie producer; Kenny Leon, Tony Award-winning Broadway Director; Jacque Reid, Emmy Award-winning Television Personality and Journalist; Brandon Thompson, Vice President of Diversity and Inclusion for NASCAR; Valeisha Butterfield Jones, Chief Diversity and Inclusion Officer at the Recording Academy. To learn more about Clark Atlanta University, visit www.cau.edu.
Media Contact:
Ray Cornelius Cobb
Director of Marketing and Communications
Jazz 91.9 WCLK
(404) 880-8017
rcobb@cau.edu