Barbara and Spencer Barefield, through their nonprofit arts organization Creative Arts Collective, have been producing concerts
in Detroit and around the world — including a 13-year-award-winning series at the Detroit Institute of Arts, 'Day of Discovery' concerts
at the Detroit Jazz Festival, the current Palmer Woods Music in Homes concert series, and much more.

The 2015-16 Palmer Woods Music in Homes series is described below.  

To sign up for the Palmer Woods Music in Homes email list, contact concertseries@palmerwoods.org


palmer woods MUSIC IN HOMES

Jazz, classical and world music 2016 concerts
in majestic homes in Historic Palmer Woods!
 

Palmer Woods Music in Homes presents world-acclaimed musicians who live in or have a strong connection to Detroit. The concerts are held in architecturally treasures — homes and gardens in Detroit's Historic Palmer Woods neighborhood. All concerts include the opportunity to see a portion of the home and a reception during intermission with a delicious dinner and desserts.

TICKETS

Click here for Tickets for 2016 Series, here to join the MIH email list and here for a brochure.

All tickets must be purchased in advance • Limited seating • Early purchase advised • No tickets at the door • Tickets are not refundable. Use your credit card to purchase online, mail order or call 313-891-2514. All our concerts sell out, so order early!

Mardi Gras, Latin Jazz, and South African concerts: $45 • Grand Finale with David Alan Grier: $50 • Other concerts: $40
FRIENDS & FAMILY DISCOUNT  If you are ordering 10 or more tickets to a single concert, click on the phrase 'Enter promotional code' (directly above the button that says 'Order Now' near the bottom of the ticket order section). Enter the word Group to receive $5 off each ticket.

Each concert includes a reception with refreshments. Locations of homes will be emailed the week of the concert with a map and parking directions, or mailed if the order is purchased via mail. We regret that tickets are not refundable; when possible we will try to exchange them for a future concert.
TICKETS BY MAIL: Mail your order with a self-addressed stamped envelope and check to the Palmer Woods Association. Send to PWA c/o Barbara Barefield, 19550 Argyle Crescent, Detroit, MI 48203. Include one of the following: (1) ticket order form from the brochure (click here), or (2) enclose a note with your name, address, email, phone number and number of tickets and for which concert(s). Don't forget the self-addressed stamped envelope!

For more info, email concertseries@palmerwoods.org or call Barbara at 313-891-2514 or 313-574-6847

Ticket holders will receive the address and directions to the concert site via email after purchase of tickets, about a week prior to the concert. Online ticket holders will also receive an electronic ticket that may be print. Names of ticket holders will be at the door of the concert. Tickets are not refundable.

Taslimah Bey's Ragtime Band will bring the sounds of New Orleans to our January 30 concert. 

Marion Hayden performs with Taslimah Bey's Ragtime Band. Photo by ©Barbara Barefield

Sean Dobbins performs on the Black History Month Jazz Tribute. Photo ©Barbara Barefield

Victor Ghannam photo by ©Zack Daoud

PUBLIQuartet at Carnegie Hall. Photo by ©Barbara Barefield

Orquesta La Inspiracion photo by ©Barbara Barefield

Dolce Checkler and Ozzie Rivera of Orquesta La Inspiracion. Photo by ©Barbara Barefield

Planet D Nonet. Photo by ©Kyla Dorsey Pedrez

David Alan Grier. Photo ©Barbara Barefield

Dave Young. Photo ©Barbara Barefield

A. Spencer Barefield. Photo ©Barbara Barefield

James Carter. Photo ©Barbara Barefield

Djallo Keita. Photo ©Barbara Barefield

Djallo Keita. Photo ©Barbara Barefield

New Orleans great, Charlie Gabriel, plays, "Bourbon Street Parade", at the Palmer Woods Music in Homes Concert, October, 2009. Charlie Gabriel, clarinet. Taslimah Bey, piano, Marion Hayden, bass, Djallo Djakate Keita, drums and wielding the umbrella, Larry Gabriel.

A series of eight concerts featuring world-class, Detroit rooted musical artists
All concerts include delicious food, beverages & desserts

TASLIMAH BEY RAGTIME BAND
MARDI GRAS CELEBRATION

Saturday, January 30 • 8 pm

Jazz history comes alive when accomplished Ragtime pianist Taslimah Bey plays the music of Jelly Roll Morton, Scott Joplin, and New Orleans. Her all-star quartet features big bandleader, saxophonist Ben Pruitt, bassist Marion Hayden, and percussionist Djallo Djakate Keita. Bey, Detroit’s resident Ragtime master, was mentored by and has performed with Charlie Gabriel, leader of the famed New Orleans Preservation Hall Jazz Band, as well as the late, great Marcus Belgrave, and others. A creole-style feast during intermission—complete with jambalaya, red beans, rice, and corn bread—will get you in the spirit for a joyous concert in one of our most palatial homes! Dress up in your favorite Mardi Gras masks and attire if you desire.

Saturday, February 20 • 8pm
BLACK HISTORY MONTH
JAZZ TRIBUTE

Dobbins-Krahnke Weed-Barefield Quartet

Our annual Black History Month concert features an outstanding lineup: drummer Sean Dobbins, bassist Kurt Krahnke, pianist Tad Weed, and guitarist A. Spencer Barefield. 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 new Blue Note Records “Detroit Jazz City.” Weed is a powerhouse who has toured and recorded internationally with such legends as Carmen McCrae, 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, Leon Thomas and others. This concert will pay tribute to preeminent 20th century Black Jazz composers, such as Duke Ellington, Cedar Walton, John Coltrane, and Thelonious Monk.

Saturday, March 19 • 8pm
VICTORY GHANNNAM
WORLD MUSIC QUARTET

Crossing genres from Middle Eastern, to jazz, Flamenco, rock ’n roll, and exotic belly dancing music, Victor Ghannam’s dazzling command on the oud and qanoun has earned him worldwide recognition. He’s performed throughout the Americas, Europe and the Middle East, including appearances on NPR’s Prairie Home Companion, and with the Detroit Symphony Orchestra’s “Sounds of Babylon” series. A founder of the National Arab Orchestra, he’ll perform with fellow members, famed Iraqi-born violinist Qusay Al-AliOns Boukraa, one of Tunisia’s premier percussionists, and Gursharan Yash Singh Sandhu. Born in India, Sandhu plays the riq, as well as the Hindustani tabla and Carnatic mridangam, percussion instruments of classical Indian music with ancient Hindu traditions. It will be an evening filled with hypnotic sounds and global magic.

Saturday, April 9 • 8 pm
PUBLIQuartet

Dubbed “independent-minded” by The New Yorker and “Leaders of the New School” by Symphony Magazine, PUBLIQuartet’s creativity lends a fresh perspective to the classical music scene. Known for their technical mastery and joyful performances, PUBLIQuartet (PQ) incorporates classical and contemporary works, original compositions, and improvisations. Often collaborating with young composers, they are dedicated to presenting new works for string quartet.

Detroit-born violinist Jannina Barefield Norpoth had an early classical start, soloing twice with the Detroit Symphony Orchestra in her teens. She is now based in New York, working with PQ musicians: violinist Curtis Stewart, violist Nick Revel and cellist Amanda Gookin. An award-winning ensemble, PQ was selected as the Concert Artists Guild’s 2013 New Music/New Places Ensemble. In 2015, PQ received the Chamber Music America/ASCAP Award for Adventurous Programming and sold-out their debut recital at Carnegie Hall. PQ has performed in diverse venues and programs, from Lincoln Center and SubCulture to the Detroit Institute of Arts, Dizzy’s Club, Newport Jazz Festival, Great Lakes Chamber Music Festival, Nantucket Musical Arts Society, and the Music of Now festival at Symphony Space. They have collaborated with members of the International Contemporary Ensemble, JACK Quartet, Nadia Sirota, and amazing jazz artists, Billy Childs, Bob Stewart, and Don Byron.

Saturday, May 21, 8 pm • Garden Concert
ORQUESTA LA INSPIRACION

Concert Sponsor: Be Well Medical Center

It’s no wonder our annual Latin Jazz World Music concert is a favorite. Orquesta La Inspiracion, founded by Puerto Rican congera Ozzie Rivera and under the musical direction of pianist Bill Meyer, is a large ensemble of some of the Detroit area’s most talented and knowledgeable Latin musicians. La Inspiracion features a hot horn section led by saxophonist Chris Kaercher, explosive percussions driven by top Latin musicians including Ozzie, well respected Latino bassist Eddie Caraballo, and soulful vocals, including the charismatic, dynamic team of Armando Vega and Dulce Checkler. The rhythms of salsa, merengue, cumbia and Afro-Caribbean jazz are sure to entice the audience to dance and sway out of their seats, and on a star-filled evening the lawn will be the dance floor. Festivities are held in a tent in a beautiful Palmer Woods ­garden, with a very tasty Latin-style meal served during intermission.

VIDEO: 2015 Orquestra La Inspiracion Click here to view

Friday, June 17, 8 pm • Garden Concert*
PLANET D NONET (PD9)
SOUTH AFRICAN PROJECT

PD9’s Township Jazz Project focuses on great South African jazz artists, including Abdullah Ibrahim, Hugh Masekela, the Brotherhood of Breath, Winston “Mankunku” Ngozi and others. It’s an exciting mix of Apartheid-era Township African melodies and rhythms, with some avant garde leaning soloists. Musicians include saxophonists Justin Jozwiak, Daniel Bennett, and Joshua James, co-bandleader James O’Donnell on trumpet and percussion, trumpeter Ken Ferry, trombonist John Tbone Paxton, pianist Phillip HaleDamon Warmack on electric bass, Akunda Hollis on djembe, and bandleader percussionist RJ Spangler. Well known on the Detroit jazz scene, Spangler earned his first Motor City Music Award in 1982 with a band he co-founded, the Sun Messengers. After 15 years as a Messenger, RJ directed Detroit blues guitar master Johnnie Bassett’s band and travelled worldwide with him. With O’Donnell, Spangler is the guiding force behind PD9, an incredibly busy band known for playing swing, blues, space-age jazz and classic American songs.

Saturday, June 18, 8 pm • Garden Concert*
Blues to Broadway, Jazz & Beyond:
DAVID ALAN GRIER QUARTET

Broadway, film, comedy and TV star David Alan Grier returns to his hometown Detroit for this very special concert. Grier’s mastery of Mississippi Delta Blues and songs by Robert Johnson and Muddy Waters may come as a surprise, but his steel guitar and thundering voice evoke an authenticity few can attain. He is equally powerful in the American Songbook jazz tradition, and will certainly include works from George Gershwin’s Porgy and Bess—he played Sportin’ Life in the recent Broadway production, for which he received a Tony nomination and accolades from The New York Times: “stand-out role of the rakish, drug-dealing Sportin’ Life.”

Grier’s Detroit band includes internationally recognized virtuoso musicians: guitarist A. Spencer Barefield, Toronto bassist David Young, and drummer Djallo Keita. Young is a Juno award-winning composer who worked extensively with the great Oscar Peterson and many jazz legends. Grier and Barefield recently performed together in San Francisco’s “Night at the Blackhawk” concerts, a reunion for the two whose friendship goes back to childhood.

Grier is a three-time Tony and Grammy nominee for his work in The First (he starred as baseball legend Jackie Robinson), RACE, and Porgy and Bess. Trained in Shakespeare at Yale School of Drama, where he received an MFA, Grier has had starring roles in Dreamgirls, A Soldiers Play, and others in film, theatre and TV. He’s won Emmys for his work with the cutting-edge comedy TV shows In Living Color and his Comedy Central Chocolate News.

He has been in many top movies with stars such as Eddie Murphy and Denzel Washington, and currently stars in the new NBC TV hit, The Carmichael Show. In early December 2015, Grier starred as the Cowardly Lion in the TV musical extravaganza The Wiz with Queen Latifah, Mary J. Blige and other superstars.

The Music in Homes grand finale is sure to be a stunning evening. Be sure to help us give David a warm Detroit homecoming.

* All concerts include a delicious light dinner, beverages and dessert during intermission. Concerts in May and June are held in spacious tents set in the gardens of homes. You may tour a ­portion of the home prior to the concert. In the case of severe weather, Palmer Woods Music in Homes (MIH) will move the concert to the beautiful art deco Detroit Unity Temple or other appropriate nearby venue. Tickets are not refundable. MIH reserves the right to make program changes if necessary.

PAST CONCERTS

Saturday, December 26 • 8 pm
JAMES CARTER QUARTET

A. Spencer Barefield, Marion Hayden, Djallo Keita

James Carter photo by ©Barbara Barefield

Join us for the kickoff of our 9th year of Palmer Woods Music in Homes with a pre-New Year’s Eve ­holiday celebration featuring Detroit’s international saxophone sensation, James Carter.  It is rare to hear Carter in intimate settings as he fills enormous theaters around the world. Extraordinarily virtuosic, Carter soloed with the Detroit Symphony Orchestra and Neeme Järvi in 2002 and 2003, performing a saxophone concerto written for him and commissioned by the DSO.

Composer/guitarist A. Spencer Barefield, who describes Carter as “the John Coltrane of our era” will join him. Carter and Barefield can be heard on Blue Note Records new release “Detroit Jazz City” with other legendary Detroit artists. In the 1980s-’90s, Barefield and Carter toured the world with jazz legend Lester Bowie and others. A Kresge Arts Fellow, Barefield has received numerous awards for his music. Bassist Marion Hayden and percussionist Djallo Djakate Keita completes this incredible ensemble of world-acclaimed jazz stars.

Detroit Free Press Mark Stryker describes Carter and Barefield’s 2015 Detroit Jazz Festival performance, “It was nice to see Detroit guitarist Spencer Barefield ... giving the group a slightly edgier profile ... James Carter played as he always does, which is to say he had enough gusto ... to blow down the One Campus Martius building nearby.”

This concert promises to be a very special evening of stellar traditional and contemporary jazz. Share a champagne toast, ­delicious food, and memorable music to ­celebrate the New Year in a majestic room designed for chamber music­. Soaring carved wooden walls and ­a bay window stage with sparkling stained glass surround this enchanting space inside an ­English Tudor built in 1925.

VIDEO: 2008 Mardis Gras Celebration

Our very first Palmer Woods Music in Homes Mardi Gras Celebration in January 2008 featured the legendary clarinetist/vocalist Charlie Gabriel, who is now one of the leading members of the famed New Orleans Preservation Jazz Band.

The musical heritage of Charlie Gabriel can be traced back as far back as the 1850s. Great-grandson of New Orleans bass player Narcesse Gabriel, grandson of New Orleans cornet player Martin Joseph, and son of New Orleans drummer and clarinetist Martin Manuel Gabriel, Charlie is truly a living legend. At eighty-one (plus) years old, the extensive list of musicians with whom he’s played includes well-known PHJB alumni Kid Howard, Kid Sheik, Jim Robinson, and George Lewis. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Preservation_Hall_Jazz_Band

All concerts include delicious food and beverages during intermission. Concerts in May and June are held in spacious tents set in the gardens of homes. You may tour a ­portion of the home prior to the concert. Tickets are not refundable. Palmer Woods Music in Homes reserves the right to make program changes if necessary.

The video above was shot by Creative Voice at the Black History Jazz Concert for children on February 28, 2015. It was followed that evening with a concert for an adult audience featuring the Charles Boles Quartet. Creative Voice - Detroit: Journalist Jennifer Conlin was awarded a Knight Foundation and National Endowment for the Arts grant aimed at creating new models for arts and cultural journalism in the digital age.