Soundtrack of a Nation
Music and the Making of American Identity
Tuesday, September 08
6:00pm - 7:30pm
From patriotic anthems to protest songs, jazz standards to hip-hop beats, music has long reflected the story of America.
In this six-part lecture series led by Andrew Fath, we will explore how American music has shaped—and been shaped by—the nation’s history, culture, and identity. Through guided listening and engaging discussion, each session will examine a different era in American history through the sounds that defined it. Whether you are a lifelong music lover, history enthusiast, or simply curious about the stories behind the songs, this series offers a new way to experience America through its soundtrack. This project is a recipient of the 2026 Parish America 250 Mini Grant.
Andrew Fath is a doctoral candidate in Musicology at Louisiana State University. His research focuses on musical biography, German cultural history, the influence of jazz in postwar Europe, and musical identity in early 20th-century Europe. He also teaches music history courses through the Ochsner Lifelong Learning Institute and is an avid solo and collaborative pianist.
Funding for the 2026 Parish America 250 Mini Grant has been provided by the State of Louisiana and administered by the Louisiana Endowment for the Humanities in partnership with the Louisiana Office of the Lieutenant Governor and the America 250 Louisiana State Commission.
AGE GROUP: | Adult (18+) |
EVENT TYPE: | Music, Film & Culture | History & Genealogy | Education & Training |
Gonzales
Our Gonzales location was built in 1980 under the direction of Earline Decoteau, Director and serves as our Main Library location. It was expanded & renovated in 1996, 1998, and 2011, under the direction of Angelle Deshautelles, Director.