Competing in the Lightnin' Talks Competition at the International Conference on the Blues were (l to r): Katie Turner, Minji Kim, Hannah Simpson, Elizabeth Ogle, Tirzah Simmons, Cheryl Neal and Justin Barnes.Delta State University students participated in the Lightnin’ Talks Competition at the International Conference on the Blues on Oct. 7.
A lightning talk is a short, entertaining presentation on a single topic, designed for a general audience. Eight finalists were selected from student research presentations in the Music History course, taught by Dr. Shelley Collins, and Literature of the Blues course, taught by professor Don Allan Mitchell.
First prize was awarded to Katie Turner of Grenada for her presentation “Jazz in Academia.” Turner is enrolled in the Master of Arts in Liberal Studies program.
Music education major Justin Barnes, of Dermott, Ark., was awarded second place for his presentation on Muddy Waters’ “Hoochie Coochie Man.” Piano performance major Minji Kim, of Gwacheon, Korea, received third place for “Boogie Woogie Piano Blues and the Music of Pine Top Smith.”
Other finalists included Elizabeth Ogle of Vicksburg, Hannah Simpson of Independence, Cheryl Neal of Greenwood and Tirzah Simmons of Horn Lake.
