Hofstra Cultural Center and the Department of Music in collaboration with York College - CUNY present
THE MELODY CONTINUES ON: A Celebration of the Life of Al Sears
In an effort to amplify saxophonist Al Sears’ melodious life, and the rich legacy that he left behind, this event will memorialize him through an academic roundtable. Mark Adams, Abimbola Kai-Lewis, and Tom Zlabinger will address the significance of Sears' personal and professional accomplishments within South Jamaica, Queens as well as his broader regional, national, and international reach.
Speaker bios:
Abimbola Kai-Lewis is an ethnomusicologist and professor in Hofstra University’s Department of Music. She also teaches at Berklee College of Music and York College – CUNY. Dr. Kai-Lewis leads a range of courses dedicated to African American music, global music, hip-hop culture, and music education.
Mark Adams teaches music theory, piano techniques, keyboard harmony, jazz techniques, and improvisation at York College – CUNY. He has worked and performed with jazz greats such as Roy Ayers, Ron Carter, Ronnie Laws, and Hugh Masekela.
Tom Zlabinger teaches popular music, ethnomusicology, and directs the York College Jazz Band. As a bass player, Dr. Zlabinger has performed with a wide range of musicians, including Marshall Allen, Glenn Branca, Lukas Foss, Eddie Gale, William Hooker, Lukas Ligeti, Emeline Michel, Butch Morris, Bern Nix, William Parker, and Sarah Weaver.
Thursday, November 20, 2025 1-2:25 p.m.
Leo A. Guthart Cultural Center Theater Joan and Donald E. Axinn Library, First Floor, South Campus
Admission is FREE and open to the public. To RSVP, visit events.hofstra.edu. For more information call the Hofstra Cultural Center at 516-463-5669 or visit hofstra.edu/culture.
