'Buffalo Bill, New Orleans and Jazz' coming to Sandoz Center

Steve Friesen, director of the Buffalo Bill Museum and Grave at Golden, Colo., will present “Laissez les Bon Temps Rouler: Buffalo Bill, New Orleans and Jazz,” Friday, Feb. 17, at 7:30 p.m. in the center’s Chicoine Atrium.

Sarah Polak, Sandoz Center director, said the presentation will examine William “Buffalo Bill” Cody’s “disastrous” visit to New Orleans during the 1884-1885 Wild West Show season, and its far reaching impact on the people of New Orleans and American culture. When the Wild West Show departed New Orleans, it left the city’s African-American population with new hope and new pride that blossomed into the Mardi Gras Indian movement. Polak said the Mardi Gras Indians have since become a vibrant folk culture within the city and have influenced everything from jazz to rock ‘n’ roll.

“Steve is truly a dynamic speaker whose passion for the West and knowledge of Buffalo Bill will certainly entertain and educate those in attendance,” Polak said. “We are very excited about hosting this presentation and look forward to hosting a great crowd as well.”

Friesen has been director of the Buffalo Bill Museum and Grave since 1995. During this time he has given numerous lectures about Buffalo Bill and the West. His book, “Buffalo Bill: Scout, Showman, Visionary,” was published in summer 2010 by Fulcrum Press.

The event, which is sponsored by the CSC Diversity Committee and the CSC Office of Student Activities, is open to the public free of charge.