Broadway Sound Designer Abe Jacob Lectures in NYC Tonight

ABE JACOB, one of Broadway's most prominent and influential designers, will take audience members behind the scenes as he discusses his illustrious career and reflects on the many Broadway, concerts and other productions he has been involved in. Jacob will also describe the evolution of sound design (which he created with the original Broadway production of HAIR), how he designs live productions and more. The lecture tonight, April 7 at 6:30 PM is being hosted by the General Society of Mechanics & Tradesmen of the City of New York and will be held at the General Society Library, 20 West 44th Street. Tickets are $15 (general admission) at the door, $10 for General Society Members, USA-829 members and seniors; $5 for students.

Mr. Jacob essentially created the role of 'theatrical sound designer' in the American musical theatre with his innovative sound design for HAIR. Prior to this, there were no 'sound designers' but simply sound engineers or mixers. Thanks to his iconic sound design credits, which include the original productions of HAIR, JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR, EVITA, CHICAGO, A CHORUS LINE and THE ROCKY HORROR SHOW, and his generous mentorship to many of the sound designers working in the theatre today, he is affectionately known in the industry as 'the Godfather of Broadway sound design.'

Jacob first started working with sound as a sound mixer for folk and rock stars including Jimi Hendrix; Peter, Paul and Mary; The Mamas and the Papas; and designed the sound system for the Monterey Pop Festival. All of which led to his Broadway work and his groundbreaking sound design for HAIR and A CHORUS LINE.

The United States Institute for Theatre Technology has twice honored him for Outstanding Achievement. He is now the resident sound consultant for the David H. Koch Theatre and New York City Ballet at Lincoln Center. The book, The Designs of Abe Jacob profiles his prolific and extraordinary career.

The General Society of Mechanics & Tradesmen of the City of New York was founded in 1785 by the skilled craftsmen of the City. Today, this 230-year old organization continues to serve and improve the quality of life of the people of the City of New York through its educational, philanthropic and cultural programs including its tuition-free Mechanics Institute, The General Society Library, and its century-old Lecture Series. www.generalsociety.org

The General Society of Mechanics and Tradesmen of the City of New York (GSMT) will provide for the education of those in the crafts and building trades, will disseminate literary and scientific knowledge through lectures and other means of intellectual improvement and will maintain a cultural and educational resource center for those in manual, technical, craft and creative occupations, and will provide operating space for similar non-profit organizations whose goals are to preserve and promote the arts, culture, and history. In addition, The Society will preserve and maintain its landmarked building, now on the National Register of Historic Places, which provides the avenue for its educational and cultural programs and activities.

Tickets are available at the door tonight, April 7. The lecture will begin promptly at 6:30 PM at the General Society Library, 20 West 44th Street. Tickets are $15 (general admission) at the door, $10 for General Society Members, USA-829 members and seniors; $5 for students. For additional information call 212-840-1840.