The Jazz & Heritage Archive presents the Allison Miner Series—an initiative to highlight research, scholarship, and projects that utilize the historic collection of the Archive.
In 2016, Dr. Summerall-Jabro conducted an in-depth examination of Jazz Fest’s first decade of press coverage—a pivotal era from 1970 to 1979 when the festival’s rapid rise sparked harmony and discord across New Orleans. During this period, the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Foundation evolved from principally serving as Jazz Fest’s fiduciary into a driving force for community engagement. This shift laid the foundation for the very first Community Partnership Grants, marking a new chapter in the Foundation’s mission. Through the lens of PR and marketing, Dr. Summerall-Jabro will uncover how storytelling and strategy shaped Jazz Fest’s early identity and enduring legacy.
Join us Monday, November 17, 2025, at the George and Joyce Wein Jazz & Heritage Center. This presentation is free and open to the public. Doors open at 6 p.m. and the lecture begins at 6:30 p.m.
The Allison Miner Series will be live-streamed: jazzandheritage.org/live
Dr. Ann D. Summerall-Jabro Bio:
Ann D. Summerall-Jabro, PhD, is University Professor of Communication and Organizational Leadership in the School of Communication and Media at Robert Morris University. Her research interests include public relations history, community building, and diversity in media and organizational cultures. Her publications focus on teaching with technology, enhancing students’ knowledge and application of artificial intelligence, technical and stackable skills, critical thinking abilities for problem-solving and decision-making to excel in tomorrow's workforce, leadership in virtual teams, risk and crisis communication practices, and procedures across diverse environments. Recognized for cutting-edge pedagogy as a recipient of multiple teaching awards, Dr. Jabro is an expert in experiential and problem-based learning, promoting portfolio-based instruction in her graduate and undergraduate courses in theory, research methods, public relations, global practices, social media, and reputation management.
Photo by Mixed Media Collage, Square to the Fair: Jazz Fest 1970-74, Grandstand Exhibition, 2009
