Interview with Diva Joan Cartwright
by Dr. Fabiola Fernández Salek, Coordinator of Women’s Studies

Closing the events for Women’s History Month 2008, Diva Joan Cartwright performed on Friday, March 28 at the Performing Arts Center. Accompanying Diva Joan Cartwright was Prof. Tom Zlabinger on bass, George Gray on drums, and Yoichi Uzeki on piano. The performance was followed by a reception where the audience had a chance to interact with the artist. The event was organized and sponsored by the Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs, Dr. Ivelaw Griffith. Prof. Tom Zlabinger, Avis Quan, and Dr. Fabiola Fernández Salek also collaborated in organizing this event. Her powerful performance was a combination of lecture and live music. Diva Joan Cartwright honored legendary female jazz musicians by interpreting their songs. Moreover, she enthusiastically engaged the audience creating a lively atmosphere. Following her visit to York College, I interviewed Diva Joan Cartwright about her experience at York during Women’s History Month.

When did you conceive Women in Jazz Concert & Lecture?

I researched women who popularized jazz and blues music and developed the 45-minute format. Over a period of three years, I presented the program using 11 posters created for me during the first of three SEAS Grants I was awarded by Broward Schools in Florida. My audiences were elementary, middle and high schools, community colleges and universities, and libraries in Florida. 

In 2006, I gave the presentation at two international schools, one in Tianjin, China and the other in Tokyo, Japan. In 2007, the presentation was part of my offerings as Artist-in-Residence of the Pan African Bookfest at the African American Research Library and Cultural Center in Fort Lauderdale.

Could you describe your experience at York?

It gave me great pleasure to address the two classes: Music Appreciation and Music History. I appreciate the questions and issues raised by the students and thank them for allowing me to share my experiences as a career musician. The trio of Yoichi Uzeki (piano), Tom Zlabinger (bass) and George Gray (drums) were professional and fun to work with. This was the first time I was accompanied for this program by more than a pianist. I truly enjoyed this ensemble and hope to work with them, again, very soon. The tender loving care of Fabiola Salek definitely made me feel very special. Also, I am honored that the President and Provost visited one of the classes I gave. It shows their interest in visiting presenters is genuine.

How would you describe the audience?

I was happy with the attendance and the attentiveness of the audience. I believe they enjoyed the presentation and had as much fun as I had with their participation. It would be wonderful to come back and do my presentation in the theater with a full house!

At the Performing Arts Center on March 28, 2008: Diva Joan Cartwright accompanied by Prof. Tom Zlabinger, George Gray and Yoichi Uzeki.

Academic Affairs Update, Vol. II, Issue 4, May 2008 (p. 10)