Renaissance man Gordon Parks will not travel to Lawrence Saturday for an event honoring him, Kansas University officials announced Friday.

The recent snowstorm and the 91-year-old Parks’ health led to his decision. KU taped Parks’ comments on Friday from his home in New York City, and they’ll be played during “An Evening Honoring Gordon Parks,” which begins at 7:30 Saturday night at the Lied Center.

Prior to Parks’ taped comments, a panel will discuss his career. The group includes Maurice Bryan Jr., doctoral student in American studies at KU; Linda Koolish, photographer and English professor at San Diego State University; Madison Lacy, independent film producer; and J. Edgar Tidwell, assistant professor of English at KU.

Following the program, “Half Past Autumn: The Life and Works of Gordon Parks,” will be screened. It chronicles the Fort Scott native’s life as a photographer, writer, composer and film director.

The event, free and open to the public, is part of the Langston Hughes February Festival.