African American Music Heritage Institute (AAMHI)
Sidebar
February 2-3, 2026
Begun in 1996 by Professor Emeritus Jerry Tolson, the African American Music Heritage Institute (AAMHI) has given the community an opportunity to learn about and experience the notable contributions that African Americans have made to culture and history through music. “The idea is exposure,” Tolson said. “Exposing the audience and students to music that they might not ordinarily experience.”
Director of Jazz Studies, Dave Clark, now serves as director and coordinator of the institute which provides clinics, lectures, workshops, and concerts for Kentuckiana students and the Louisville community. Musical styles presented during the signature event have included a rich variety including jazz, gospel, classical, third-stream and music and poetry from the Harlem Renaissance. Artists such as Kirk Whalum, Orbert Davis, D-Composed, Core Ensemble, Carmen Bradford, Tammy McCann and the legendary Count Basie Orchestra have performed for the signature event.
The University of Louisville School of Music will sponsor the thirty-first annual African American Music Heritage Institute (AAMHI) on February 2-3, 2026, on the Belknap campus of the University of Louisville. This celebration of the history of the music of African Americans will feature concerts, clinics, lectures, and workshops for Kentuckiana elementary and secondary school students, University of Louisville students, and the public. This year’s theme is:
The Spiritual Side of Jazz
The program celebrates and emphasizes the importance of spirituality in jazz, and how jazz musicians have shared messages of hope, healing, and justice through music. The guest artist for this year’s event is saxophonist, composer and educator, Todd Williams.
Todd Williams hails from among the finest artists in today's music scene. Originally known for his saxophone and clarinet work with the Wynton Marsalis Quintet, Septet and the Lincoln Center Jazz Orchestra, Williams has been honored with such positions as Assistant Professor at Queens College and Music Director of Times Square Church. He is presently the Assistant Professor of Music Education at Indiana Wesleyan University.
Todd has performed at most every prestigious venue from multiple performances at the White House to Carnegie Hall to the Hollywood Bowl. Extensive recording with Marsalis and guest appearances with such artists as Sir Roland Hanna, the Newburgh Symphony Orchestra, and Grammy Award winner, Christian McBride, decorate his list of accomplishments. Williams is a four-time recipient of ASCAP's Plus Award for Composers.
The signature AAMHI event will be held on Monday evening, February 2, which will be a performance by Todd Williams and his group Quartet Trio at 7:30 PM in Comstock Concert Hall at the U of L School of Music. General admission is $20.00 for adults, and $10.00 for students 12 and older. Students under 12 will be admitted free. Tickets will be available starting January 10 on Eventbrite.
They may also be reserved by calling (502) 852-6907, or they may be purchased at the door.
Other Institute events include masterclasses for UofL students and presentations to various School of Music classes as well as area public school students.