Author Keith Hatschek will be at Readers' Books on Wednesday, May 4th at 6:00 to tell the story of three determined artists: Louis Armstrong, Dave Brubeck, and Iola Brubeck and the stand they took against segregation by writing and performing a jazz musical titled The Real Ambassadors. Hatschek tells the story behind the jazz musical, starting from when the Brubecks first conceived the idea in 1956 and following the extraordinary twists and turns of the production across the backdrop of the civil rights movement. 

During the Cold War, the US State Department recruited some of America's greatest musicians to serve as jazz ambassadors, showing off the "free-society" of American culture. While these artists were considered celebrities abroad, they returned home to racial discrimination. The Brubecks used both human and pathos to illuminate this double standard and share perspectives on American values. While the musical's debut in 1962 was critically acclaimed, the musical faded from memory until the revival in 2014 by the Detroit Jazz Festival and in 2014 by Jazz at Lincoln Center. 

Keith Hatschek is the author of three other books on the music industry and has directed the music management program at University of the Pacific for twenty years. Prior to becoming an educator, he spent twenty-five years in the music business as a musician, producer, studio owner, and marketing executive. 

Proof of vaccination or negative PCR covid test within the last 72 hours are required for all live events; if attendees do not have these, they will be asked to wear a mask during the event. Due to unpredictable shifts in covid regulations, we may need to reschedule events. Please keep an eye on our website and social media for any updates. 
 

Keith Hatschek is the author of three other books on the music industry and has directed the music management program at University of the Pacific for twenty years. Prior to becoming an educator, he spent twenty-five years in the music business as a musician, producer, studio owner, and marketing executive.