Program to bring jazz to youth

Northern Kentucky University is creating a program designed to teach local youth about jazz.

The Center for African-American Heritage along with NKU’s music department developed a program called EMPOWER. Professional jazz musicians will lecture, teach classes and mentor performances as part of the program.

EMPOWER stands for:

* Exposing the community to jazz.

* Motivating students to study jazz.

* Preserving the heritage of jazz.

* Opportunity for professional musicians to mentor students.

* Widen appreciation of jazz across racial lines.

* Educate youth on the influence of jazz.

* Roots of African-American artistry and its development.

One of the first EMPOWER events will be a benefit concert featuring a well-known blues singer in April. The proceeds raised from the event will be donated to fund music lessons for children at the Campbell Lodge Boys’ Home.

Callahan to receive honorary degree

NKU’s Board of Regents unanimously approved a recommendation to award retiring 67th District Rep. Jim Callahan an honorary degree of Doctor of Public Administration. NKU is recognizing Callahan, D-Wilder, for his contributions to the university and community.

Callahan is best known for his work on House Bill 1. The bill, which was passed in 1997, instituted an independent system of community and technical colleges in Kentucky.