JL;DR

Louis Bannet, renowned as the "Dutch Louis Armstrong," used his exceptional jazz talent to survive the Holocaust. During WWII, Bannet was captured and taken to Auschwitz, where he was forced to audition for the camp orchestra—a performance that ultimately spared him from execution. In a discussion featuring Ken Shuldman, author of *Jazz Survivor: The Story of Louis Bannet*, and jazz musician Joe Alterman, the conversation covers Bannet's pre-war triumphs, struggles during the Holocaust, and post-war life. This event is part of a series focusing on the impact of Jewish identity in cultural contexts, exploring how Bannet's musical genius not only influenced his survival but also shaped his experiences throughout his lifetime.