UPDATE: Due to technical difficulties, the venue for Singing Citizenship: The Origins and Role of America’s Anthem has changed. We look forward to seeing you at the Judy K. Jolliffe Theatre on Thursday, July 16, from 6-7:30pm.

The Jolliffe Theatre is located in the Epic Center at 359 S. Kalamazoo Mall, Kalamazoo, MI 49007. Parking is available on the street or in the Epic Center Parking Ramp, 136 E. South Street, Kalamazoo, MI 49007. The first 90 minutes of parking are free at parking ramps.

Guests are also welcome to park at the KIA and walk to the Epic Center. We encourage you to stop by and view For the People, By the People: America at 250 before the lecture! Gallery admission is free during July, and galleries close at 8pm.

The story of the U.S. national anthem—“The Star-Spangled Banner”—is surprising and too little-known. Among the typical misunderstandings is that its author, Francis Scott Key, wrote a poem. In fact, he wrote a lyric to a well-known tune, creating a song that brought emotion into the drama of America. Key sought both to bring Americans together and to inspire active citizenship. This talk by Dr. Mark Clague will explore the forgotten details of Key’s song, how it came to be an important symbol in American life, and what it means for Americans today.

Mark Clague, Ph.D. serves as Executive Director of the Arts Initiative at the University of Michigan and Professor of Musicology at its School of Music, Theatre & Dance. His research centers on music’s role in forging community and on topics from musical institutions to American patriotism. His book O Say Can You Hear?: A Cultural Biography of “The Star-Spangled Banner” was selected as an Editor’s Pick by the New York Times.