His talk, titled "Give My Poor Heart Ease: Voices of the Mississippi Blues," will be followed by a book signing and reception. Books will be available for sale. Free and open to the public.

Enjoy Ferris' entertaining tales of the blues musicians who represent a wide range of musical traditions—from one-strand instruments, bottle-blowing, and banjo to spirituals, hymns, and prison work chants. Ferris is Joel R. Williamson Eminent Professor of History and senior associate director of the Center for the Study of the American South at UNC Chapel Hill. Rolling Stone magazine has named him among the top ten professors in the United States.

To attend, RSVP by March 29 to Ellen Wilkinson at 704-687-0085 or Ewilkinson@uncc.edu. For more information about William R. Ferris and his book, go to http://www.uncpress.unc.edu/poorheartease/index.html