“Glory Days: A Bruce Springsteen Symposium”will focus on academic research and thought based on the life and work of the legendary rock n\u2019 roll singer. The event will be held September 14-16, 2012, at Monmouth University in West Long Branch, New Jersey. The symposium is being organized by Dr. Mark Bernhard, associate provost for Outreach and Engagement at the University of Southern Indiana (USI).<\/p>\n
The symposium was first held in 2005 and again in 2009. It typically draws between 200 and 300 participants. \u201cI would describe it as an educational conference appealing to both academics and non-academics,\u201d said Bernhard, who came up with the idea more than 10 years ago, and has been the organizer and driving force behind two prior Springsteen symposiums. \u201cIt\u2019s been a labor of love for me. I\u2019ve been to 61 Springsteen concerts and counting.\u201d<\/p>\n
USI is partnering with both Monmouth University and Penn State Altoona on the symposium. Breakout sessions at the conference cover the relationship between academic topics and Springsteen\u2019s works, such as pedagogy, international perspectives, work and class, diversity, religion and spirituality, and politics and activism.<\/p>\n
Participants will explore topics like \u201cFreedom son\u2019s a dirty shirt: Bruce Springsteen and the Nobility of Work on Wrecking Ball,\u201d \u201cBruce Springsteen and Transformative Grief,\u201d and \u201cSpringsteen and American Roots Traditions.\u201d<\/p>\n
So far, more than 120 proposals have been received for this year\u2019s conference, including submissions from across the United States, as well as from England, Germany, Sweden, and Canada. In addition to the academic presentations, keynote speakers will present on \u201cpop culture\u201d aspects of Springsteen\u2019s legacy.<\/p>\n
Keynote Speakers<\/p>\n
A wide variety of keynote speakers with close ties to Springsteen and his work will deliver compelling talks throughout the conference. Among others, speakers will include:<\/p>\n
Pre- and post-conference tours will explore Asbury Park, Freehold, Belmar, and other areas associated with Springsteen\u2019s rise to fame. Music is also important to the event, with performances held throughout at the legendary Stone Pony venue in Asbury Park, New Jersey.<\/p>\n
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Media Contacts:<\/p>\n
Kathy Funke, University of Southern Indiana, kfunke@usi.edu<\/a> or 812-465-7050<\/p>\n