James Carter, David Alan Grier, A. Spencer Barefield, Victor Ghannam and Jannina Barefield Norpoth, musicians who bring pride and international renown to Detroit, are among the Palmer Woods Music in Homes stars for its 9th season. The concert series showcases world-acclaimed jazz, classical and world music artists with Detroit roots who perform each month through June in architectural gems — Detroit’s Palmer Woods mansions, unique homes and gardens.
Palmer Woods Music in Homes celebrates Black History Month on Saturday, February 20 with a concert honoring preeminent 20th century Black Jazz composers, musicians and trailblazers, such as Duke Ellington, Cedar Walton, John Coltrane, Thelonious Monk, and others, as interpreted by 21st century jazz masters drummer Sean Dobbins, bassist Kurt Krahnke, pianist Tad Weed and guitarist A. Spencer Barefield.
This evening of rich jazz history includes a Southern-style feast during intermission (last year we enjoyed chicken, greens, mac n’cheese, peach cobbler, bread pudding, corn bread and other goodies!). The concert home — a exquisite 1924 Tudor-influenced French style manor designed by the famed architect Richard Marr was built for one of the Fisher brothers. The current owners are only the third who have lived here and lovingly maintained the original and fabulous features.
Award-winning percussionist Dobbins is known for his work with jazz greats such as Louis Smith, Benny Golson, Joey DeFrancesco, and many more. Dobbins and Barefield can be heard on the recently released Blue Note Records “Detroit Jazz City.” Weed is a powerhouse who has toured and recorded internationally with such legends as Carmen McRae, Charles Lloyd, John Pattitucci, Woody Herman and others. Krahnke is also know for his work with jazz and blues heavy-hitters, including Joe Henderson, Sonny Fortune, Pinetop Perkins, and Leon Thomas. The concert will pay tribute to preeminent 20th century Black Jazz composers, such as Duke Ellington, Cedar Walton, John Coltrane, and Thelonious Monk, as well as original 21st century compositions by Barefield and other members of the ensemble.
Tickets for all concerts, $40 – $50, with discounts for groups of 10 or more, can be purchased at palmerwoods.org or by calling 313-891-2514. The address of the concert home in Palmer Woods is revealed when tickets are purchased. All concerts include receptions with creative and delicious menus that reflect the musical themes.
Tickets for all concerts, $40 – $50, with discounts for groups of 10 or more, can be purchased at palmerwoods.org or by calling 313-891-2514. The address of the concert home in Palmer Woods is revealed when tickets are purchased. All concerts include receptions with creative and delicious menus that reflect the musical themes.
The 2016-17 series commenced in December with the legendary saxophonist James Carter and Ragtime pianist Taslimah Bey for the Mardi Gras concert in January. There are seven more exceptional concerts, plus two free concerts for children with PUBLIQuartet’s classical concert on April 9 and David Alan Grier Quartet’s “Delta Blues, Broadway, Jazz & Beyond” concert on Saturday, June 18.
Concerts are supported in part by major sponsor City Living Detroit, and Be Well Medical Center in Berkley, Barefield DesignWorks, Blossoms in Birmingham, DetroitPerforms.org, and WRCJ 90.9FM.
