COFFEYVILLE, KS — Coffeyville Community College’s Humanities Program will welcome award-winning musician, historian, and educator Lemuel Sheppard for a FREE community performance at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 27, in the Spencer/Rounds Theatre.
Sheppard’s career began at Pittsburg State University under the mentorship of Coffeyville native Eva Jessey, the original choral director for Porgy and Bess.
An accomplished musician and historian, Sheppard has performed at the Kennedy Center and internationally. His work has earned recognition from the Kansas Folklore Society and Oklahoma Blues Hall of Fame.
Sheppard also composed the soundtrack for the PBS documentary Black, White & Brown, further demonstrating his commitment to preserving and sharing stories through music.
His Humanities Program performance will explore African American music, culture, and history, with a particular focus on African American music in Kansas from 1860 to 1919. Audiences will learn about musical traditions including string bands, jubilee singing and cornet bands while gaining a deeper understanding of Kansas history.
The performance is part of CCC’s ongoing Humanities Program. All Humanities Program performances are FREE and open to the community.
For more information about the Humanities Program or upcoming performances, visit Coffeyville Community College.