Ogden’s Jazz History Kicks Off Historical Lecture Series at WSU

OGDEN, Utah – The Weber Historical Society 2018 Fall Lecture Series will begin on a high note with Laurence “Lars” Yorgason presenting “The History of Jazz in Utah,” Sept. 10 at 7 p.m. in Weber State University’s Hurst Center Dumke Legacy Hall.

A jazz bass player, educator and writer, Lars Yorgason has been part of the Utah jazz scene for over 30 years.

“Dancing was probably the most significant social activity in Ogden, as well as the rest of the United States in the early 20th century,” Yorgason said. “Jazz became the music of dancing, especially in the 1920s and 1930s. Jazz was everywhere: on records, radio, movies and in the dance halls. Everyone knew about jazz, whether they liked it or not. It was especially the music of youth and was probably one of the factors separating the generations — perhaps like today.”

Thanks to Union Station and the attraction of Historic 25th Street, for a time, Ogden was a hub for people traveling throughout the west. The cultural diversity that existed in the area made Ogden a hotbed of jazz activity. Famous musicians, such as Dizzy Gillespie and Nat King Cole, made stops in Ogden during the peak of jazz popularity. Some even called Ogden home.

“I plan to help students and members of the community understand how and why jazz came to Utah, how it differed from other music and why it became so popular and controversial,” Yorgason said. “It is also important to appreciate the skill levels and artistic achievements of the players and to differentiate the jazz of the 1920s from the jazz of today.”

The lecture is free and open to the public. The series is presented by the WSU Alumni Association, the College of Social & Behavioral Sciences, the Department of History, Stewart Library and the Weber Historical Society.

Visit weber.edu/History/historicalsociety for more information on the Weber Historical Society Fall Lecture Series.

Visit weber.edu/wsutoday for more news about Weber State University.

Author:

Ross Rosier, Office of Marketing & Communications
801-626-7948 • rossrosier@weber.edu

Contact:

Eric Swedin, history professor
801-395-3553 • eswedin@weber.edu