Romare Bearden’s connection with jazz started with his childhood in New York City during the Harlem Renaissance, a time when jazz musicians could be found among other influential intellectuals, writers, and artists visiting his family. Bearden often created works inspired by jazz music, clubs, and performers in addition to designing album covers and writing song lyrics. Inspired by Bearden’s connection to jazz, the Frye Art Museum and Ariel Media present a special talk and jazz concert featuring The Folks Project, in conjunction with the exhibition Romare Bearden: Abstraction. 

Please note: Masks will be required for audience members during this program. 

ABOUT THE PERFORMERS

An evolution of friendship and love of music inspired the Folks Project band to form during a special event held at Seattle Center for International Jazz Day in 2015. These musicians represent a legacy of jazz and music from the Central Area of Seattle which includes Quincy Jones, Jimi Hendrix, Ernestine Anderson, Ray Charles, Dave Lewis (D’Vonne’s Grandfather), Floyd Sandiford, and Buddy Catlett to name just a few. Folks Project consists of pianist Darrius Willrich, drummer D’Vonne Lewis, bassist Evan Flory-Barnes, and trumpeter Owur Arunga. Arunga has toured with Grammy Award winners Macklemore and Ryan Lewis. Willrich has served as keyboardist for Grammy Award winning rap trio Digable Planets, performing at mega-festivals such as Pitchfork Music Festival, Sasquatch Music Festival, and Essence Festival. After winning the Stranger’s Genius Award in 2014, both Flory-Barnes and Lewis have been in demand not only with their band Industrial Revelation, but also as sidemen in diverse musical collaborations throughout Seattle and beyond.