It’s a unique story of two cousins from Louisiana, both excelling in their respective fields. Terence Blanchard is a Grammy Award-winning jazz trumpeter, composer, and NEA Jazz Master hailing from New Orleans. The other, Dr. Loren J. Blanchard, is the president of the University of Houston-Downtown (UHD), one of the largest higher education institutions in the city, born and raised in Lake Charles, Louisiana. Now, these two accomplished men will come together in celebration of UHD’s 50th anniversary for an unforgettable night of music.
On Saturday, Nov. 9, 2024, Blanchard will take the stage for a special concert, “TERENCE BLANCHARD LIVE FOR UHD: Film Scores, Jazz and Beyond,” at the University of Houston’s Cullen Performance Hall. Blanchard and his band, the E-Collective, will perform selections from his film scores, accompanied by student musicians from the UH Moores School of Music. This highly anticipated event, funded in part by a City Initiative grant from the City of Houston through the Houston Arts Alliance, promises to be an extraordinary evening celebrating music, culture, and five decades of educational excellence.
“The student musicians are excited and have been practicing for the event,” Dr. Blanchard said during an interview with d-mars.com. “I am hoping Terence will serve as a source of inspiration for those students and they’ll get a chance to pick his brain while learning more about his journey as they rehearse.”
A Concert with a Purpose
While this concert will undoubtedly be a musical celebration, it’s also about student success.
“The importance of this concert is to amplify the power of jazz in bringing so many people in the greater Houston area together in support of UHD and, specifically, our student success efforts,” Dr. Blanchard emphasized when explaining the broader mission behind the performance.
Proceeds from the event will provide scholarships and emergency grants for UHD students, helping remove financial barriers in order for them to obtain college degrees.
50 Years of Excellence
When asked about the significance of 50 years for the university, Dr. Blanchard says it lies in understanding the value that UHD brings– not only to the downtown area but to the city, state, and nation.
“We’re really proud of our graduates who go out and fill a lot of the critical workforce needs here in Houston. Our graduates become social workers, police officers, teachers, principals, biologists, and so on,” Dr. Blanchard said. “We’re only as good here at UHD as those individuals who graduate from our campus and go out and make a difference in the community and world. Our students are leaving with the knowledge, skills and dispositions to not only go into their careers and perform well but become leaders in their fields.”
So, how does Dr. Blanchard want to see UHD evolve in the next 50 years?
“I want to ensure UHD is on the cutting edge as an urban university and strengthening itself as an anchor institution for the city and state. “What I mean by that is understanding some of the issues that we face in an urban environment here in Houston, which is the nation’s most diverse city, and UHD’s student population reflects that diversity,” Dr. Blanchard explained. “We have to understand that there are many positive aspects of being in an urban environment but there are many negative aspects as well—homelessness and food shortages are some of them. The beauty is determining what role we’ll play in eliminating those kinds of disparities that we see in our community. That is certainly going to be the tone for the next 50 years.”
A Family Affair
For Dr. Blanchard, the concert and family reunion hold personal significance.
“It feels quite amazing. His grandfather and my grandfather were brothers. I grew up spending some time with him as a kid and adolescent, but not as much as I did when I moved to New Orleans for my undergraduate experience at Xavier University. I also worked at Xavier for a couple of years and that’s where we became closer,” Dr. Blanchard said. “There are many students who have stopped me to tell me how excited they are. It gives me an opportunity to share with them all the great achievements he’s been able to acquire over the years and how fortunate I feel to have him here.”
Blanchard’s Legacy: From Film Scores to Jazz Mastery
With more than 75 film credits to his name, Terence Blanchard is known for being one of the most prolific and versatile composers. His list of film scores includes memorable collaborations with Spike Lee in films like Mo’ Better Blues, 25th Hour, and the Oscar-nominated BlacKkKlansman and Da 5 Bloods. Blanchard’s distinctive voice has graced the soundtracks of films by Regina King (One Night in Miami), George Lucas (Red Tails), and Kasi Lemmons (Eve’s Bayou and Harriet), among others.
Blanchard is also a big figure in the world of opera. His opera Fire Shut Up in My Bones made history as the first opera by an African American composer to be performed at the Metropolitan Opera in its 138-year history. Fire achieved so much success that it returned for a second run in 2024. His earlier opera, Champion, also earned much praise and received Grammy Awards for “Best Opera Recording.”
Blanchard has earned eight Grammy Awards, alongside multiple nominations for both the Academy Awards and Emmys. In 2024, he was named an official National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) Jazz Master, adding to his many accolades, which include being inducted into the prestigious American Academy of Arts and Letters.
While Blanchard’s influence in jazz and film music is undeniable, he has earned praise for his work in R&B, classical music, and opera.
Fireside Chat with the Blanchards
Before the concert, the Blanchard cousins will sit down for a Fireside Chat, free and open to the public, at UHD’s Welcome Center on Friday, Nov. 8, 2024, at 11 a.m. This conversation will provide an intimate glimpse into their careers, family history, and the significance of music in their lives. Attendees can expect insights into Terence’s creative process, his journey as a composer, and the shared experiences that shaped both his and Dr. Blanchard’s trajectories.
“What I hope students will draw from the Fireside Chat is to always be ready to stretch yourself and know that your mind has the capacity to do far more than what you ever thought that it could. He’s a living example of that,” Dr. Blanchard said.
A Night to Remember
Terence’s concert promises to be a highlight of UHD’s 50th-anniversary celebrations. The collaboration of student musicians with Blanchard’s seasoned ensemble promises to be a captivating and inspiring experience.
Tickets for this one-night-only performance are available now. Regular ticket prices will range from $50 to $250. VIP packages, which include access to the Fireside Chat and a meet-and-greet opportunity with Blanchard, are also available.
Don’t miss the chance to support UHD’s mission and celebrate its rich 50-year history. For tickets and more information, visit uhd.edu/50yearsconcert.
Box Office: 832.842.3131 | cphguest@central.uh.edu
Sponsorships: UHD Advancement 713.226.5236 | advancement@uhd.edu
