African American Music Heritage Institute (AAMHI)

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.