Oscar Peterson: Black + White is a ground-breaking “docu-concert” that deeply explores the life and legacy of jazz icon and composer, Oscar Peterson: his sound, stardom, and cult of virtuoso. Oscar Peterson is the one jazz figure who had, and still has, the larger-than-life quality of jazz royalty. Other jazz artists from Ella Fitzgerald and Nat King Cole to Duke Ellington and John Coltrane became legends but Oscar, like Picasso or Mozart, had an undeniable style rooted not just in his genius but in his relentless performances and personality. The documentary delves into the seven-decade career of the musical genius: from his days as a child prodigy to the development of his signature sound on recordings with his trio, from his collaborations with huge stars to his shifts to brilliant solo performances around the world — as well as his tenacious experiences confronting racism and segregation while touring in the United States which culminated in his epic composition of Hymn to Freedom.

Films are free to the public, but seating is limited. Tickets will be available at the front desk of the museum starting at 10 am on the day of each screening, or pre-register the day of screening at kalamazoomuseum.org.