Mississippi State University’s Union Ballroom will host one of America’s most distinguished music historians. Various student committees voted to have Barry Drake return to MSU to give one of his famous music lectures and to provide a 90-minute multimedia slide show of different music eras. Barry Drake was once a musician himself, working with numerous artists and recording studios, and now he devotes his time traveling the country and spreading the history of music to colleges everywhere.
Drake has visited MSU once before to give a presentation on ’80s music, and the students enjoyed his work so much that they decided to have him return for another chance at educating and entertaining the university and community. This year, the students decided to ask Drake to present the music of the ’60s.
Paula Raffo, of the Campus Activities Board, explains the appeal of Drake to MSU’s very diverse group of students.
“Mr. Drake uses different forms of media to present the chosen material. He keeps it fresh and interesting for the audience by providing visuals and not strictly giving lecture, and the slide show that he brings with him is great,” Raffo said. “This process, and his overall understanding and appreciation for the different musical eras, appeals very much to everyone.”
The show is sponsored by the Campus Activities Board and will take place in the Union Ballroom Feb. 13 at 7 p.m. The show is free of charge and open to all.