Palmer Woods Music in Homes 2012-13

Palmer Woods Music in Homes continues its sixth season of outstanding, sold-out performances in magnificent mansions and historic homes in Detroit's historic neighborhood.

All concerts include a reception with refreshments during intermission, where you can meet the musicians and and enjoy the architecture and elegance of the homes. Tickets at palmerwoods.org

Call 313-891-2514  for more information

 

Saturday, January 19, 8 pm
Bill Meyer’s Mardi Gras Celebration

Our Mardi Gras Celebration has become an annual tradition for Music in Homes. Experience an authentic evening of jazz culture, topped off with a creole-style feast during intermission—jambalaya, red beans, rice, corn bread and the spirit of New Orleans in Uptown Detroit! Bill Meyer and the Detroit New Orleans Band will have you swaying and tapping with ­Butter Hawkins on drums, Ibrahim Jones on bass, a touch of Louis Armstrong from special guest vocalist David Greene, and shades of Billie Holiday from ­DJ Holiday. Pianist Meyer has worked those keys with Smokey Robinson, Cab Calloway, Natalie Cole, Savion Glover, Marcus ­Belgrave, Charlie Gabriel, Amiri Baraka, the Last Poets and many ­others. He was music director for Motown’s Martha Reeves.

Saturday, February 16, 8 pm
Black History Month Jazz Tribute
Barefield-Adams-Young-Dobbins Quartet

Music of great African American composers, including Thelonius Monk, Dizzy Gillespie, Charlie Parker, Wes Montgomery, Joe Henderson, Jackie McLean,  and others will be performed by an ensemble of internationally ­recognized virtuosi. 2010 Kresge fellow, multi-award winning composer-guitarist A. Spencer Barefield joins forces with ­Stevie Wonder and James Carter alumnus, trumpeter Dwight Adams. 

A stellar rhythm section includes Oscar Peterson’s bassist, Canada’s Juno Award winner Dave Young; and Artistic Director of Jazz Ensembles for the Detroit Symphony Orchestra, Sean ­Dobbins on drums.

Saturday, March 16, 8 pm
Berick-Martin Duo

Described by the Washington Post as “dazzling” and “performed ­rapturously and sensually,” Canadian born pianist Pauline Martin has ­garnered well deserved world-class recognition. Martin has performed as a soloist with the Detroit Symphony Orchestra, and with numerous leading instrumentalists: the Lafayette String Quartet, violinists James Ehnes and Andrés Cárdenes, flutists Bonita Boyd and Amy Porter, cellists Robert deMaine and new DSO concertmaster Yoonshin Song. In high demand internationally since becoming a prizewinner at the 1993 Naumburg Violin Competition, Israeli born Yehonatan Berick enjoys a busy concert schedule as soloist, recitalist, chamber musician, and pedagogue throughout North America, Europe and Israel. In addition, he ­currently teaches at the University of Michigan. He has been featured in the world’s most important music centers from Carnegie Hall and Kennedy Center to Musée du Louvre in Paris, and Milan’s Sala Verdi. The Berick-Martin Duo promises to be dynamic and definitely dazzling!

Sponsored by Be Well Medical Center
Saturday, April 27, 8 pmShahida Nurullah’s Brazilian Journey







Internationally acclaimed songstress Shahida Nurullah will perform a special concert of Brazilian jazz, samba, bossa nova and more, including works by legendary composers Antônio Carlos Jobim, Milton Nascimento, Marcos Valle and Paulo Sérgio Valle. This music stems from a 500-year-old culture, born of a combination of African, European, and Amerindian musical styles. Nurullah expertly expresses its sensuous, exciting and rhythmically diverse character. Italian born virtuoso, multi-instrumentalist Michéle Ramo will play his custom 8-string and 7-string fret-less acoustic guitars and mandolin. Ramo performs and records internationally, but now calls Detroit home. Ramo, Nurullah and bassist Marion Hayden have worked closely with jazz greats Marcus Belgrave, Roy Brooks, Harold McKinney and Kenn Cox. Hayden, an internationally renowned jazz star and University of Michigan Jazz faculty member, and hand drum, conga and percussion ­master Mahindi Masai, will enrich the Brazilian flair.

Sponsored by DMC Sinai-Grace Hospital
Saturday, May 19, 8 pm
Orquesta La Inspiracion

Founded by Puerto Rican-born congero Ozvaldo “Ozzie” Rivera and led by award-winning music director/pianist Bill Meyer, La Inspiracion is a large ensemble honoring the traditions of merengue, cumbia and Afro-Caribbean jazz. Exciting, infectious rhythms explode from their intricate percussion ensemble. Mixed with soulful Latin vocals and horns, they weave a classic Afro-Carribean tapestry that makes dancing irresistible! A gourmet Latin feast served during intermission is prepared by our own Eva Garza Dewaelsche. This annual festive event is held in a tent set in the beautiful backyard gardens of a resplendent Palmer Woods home.

Sponsored by Creative Arts Collective
Friday, June 21, 8 pm
Barefield Super String Quartet



This adventurous ensemble—featuring guitarist A. Spencer Barefield, violinist Jannina Barefield Norpoth, violist John Madison and bassist John-Paul Norpoth—straddles the boundaries of ­traditional and avant garde jazz, classical and other music idioms. The multi-talented string players will perform originals (mostly composed by 2010 Kresge Arts Fellow Barefield), as well as selections from composers such as Joe Henderson, Dizzy Gillespie, Thelonius Monk, Oliver Nelson, Johann Sebastian Bach, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Claude Debussy, Astor­ Piazzolla, Joachin Rodrigo and Manuel de Falla. Jannina has soloed with the Detroit Symphony, and has been a featured performer alongside Itzhak Perlman, Emmanuelle Boisvert, Regina Carter, Marcus ­Belgrave, Beyoncé and Jay-Z. She tours with Sphinx Virtuosi, including recent performances at Carnegie Hall and Kennedy Center, and is a member of PubliQuartet. John-Paul has performed under the batons of Itzhak Perlman, Kurt Mazur, Bright Sheng, Jaimie Laredo, Otto Werner Mueller and others in numerous New York-area orchestras. John is the principal violist for the Michigan Opera Theatre and regular Detroit Symphony sub. He has performed internationally with the Chamber Orchestra of France, Cassini Chamber Ensemble, Yani, and others. Read more.

GRAND FINALE Sponsored by City Living Detroit
Saturday, June 22, 8 pm
Thornetta Davis Ensemble



Michigan’s Queen of the Blues, Thornetta Davis, has a memorable and heart-thumping voice that has helped keep the local Blues, R&B and Soul scene alive for more than two decades. It’s also earned her a spot in the Detroit Music Awards Hall of Fame (she’s won more than 20 awards) and a recent spotlight at the Tigers vs. Yankees American League Championship series, where she sang “American the Beautiful” to a delighted, receptive audience. She has performed internationally as a leader, and graced the stage with the likes of Kid Rock, Bonnie Raitt, Alberta Adams and Katie Webster. She has also worked for TV and film on Xeena, the Warrior Princess, HBO’s Sopranos, and Osmosis Jones. She brings her top-notch band for an electrifying Grand Finale concert for Music in Homes: keyboard virtuoso Phillip Hale, a Detroit Music Awards winner who has toured and recorded with jazz greats Dave McMurray, Rayse Biggs, Perry Hughes, Martha Reeves, James Carter and many others; guitarist Brett Lucas, who works with Bettye Lavette, and Fleetwood Mac’s Jeremy Spencer, among others; drummer Dave Marcaccio, and percussionist James Anderson.

Outstanding music, captivating homes and luscious treats to delight your palate.

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PAST CONCERTS from the 2012-2013 Season:

PRE-NEW YEAR'S HOLIDAY CELEBRATION

Elegant Party with Great Music, Architecture, Feast & Champagne starring

Ursula Walker & Buddy Budson Quintet

with bassist Marion Hayden, drummer Gayelynn McKinney &
guitarist ­A. Spencer Barefield

Saturday, December 29, 8 pm

When the Queen of Soul Aretha Franklin wants a spectacular vocalist for her private parties, she often calls Ursula Walker and her husband, pianist Buddy Budson.

Walker has been a mainstay of the Detroit music world for some 60 years, beginning as a child on Detroit TV and radio. Count Basie tried to entice her to join his Orchestra, but family kept her in Detroit, where she’s shared the stage with many top local and national acts. She’s soloed with the Detroit Symphony, and starred at the Detroit Jazz Festival and numerous events with Budson. A top jazz pianist for more than 50 years, Budson has performed with drummer Buddy Rich’s big band, guitarist Earl Klugh, Motown’s Four Tops, and many others.

Palmer Woods Music in Homes shares Aretha’s great “Respect” for the duo’s powerful talents. They will perform with an all-star ensemble: Marion Hayden on bass, Gayelynn McKinney on drums, and ­A. Spencer Barefield on guitar.

Join us for a rousing concert at a stately and fabulous home—in a ­majestic room designed for chamber music, surrounded by soaring carved wooden walls and ­facing a bay window stage backdropped with sparkling stained glass.

2010-2011 Concert Series

Palmer Woods Music in Homes continues its fourth season of outstanding, sold-out performances in magnificent mansions, cool castles and unique homes in Detroit's historic neighborhood.

All concerts include a reception with refreshments during intermission, where you can meet the musicians and and enjoy the architecture and elegance of the homes. Tickets at palmerwoods.org

Call 313-891-2514  for more information

 

Saturday, Jan. 29, 8 pm

Mardi Gras Celebration 

Ron Kischuk’s

Tartarsauce Jazz Band

There’ll be a hot time in the old town tonight with the New Orleans sounds of trombonist Ron Kischuk’s Tartarsauce Traditional Jazz Band. Ron has been spicing things up at jazz festivals and concert halls for over 30 years, not to mention years of entrancing crowds at Greenfield Village and Detroit Tigers baseball games with Tartarsauce. Vocalist Judy Cochill serves up the goods along with a group of accomplished musicians that includes cornetist Johnny Trudell, bassist Marion Hayden, reedman Gene Parker, pianist Chuck Shermetaro and drummer Bill Cairo. Get ready to tap your toes and wiggle your hips as Tartarsauce delivers some serious musical fun in one of our most palatial homes.

Sunday, Feb. 27, 7 pm

Rick Robinson &

Linette Popoff-Parks

Double bassist Rick Robinson and pianist Linette Popoff-Parks will take this unusual instrumental pairing and intimate setting to present chamber compositions with an exotic ambience. Robinson is a composer, 21-year veteran of the Detroit Symphony Orchestra and 2010 Kresge Arts Fellow. Popoff-Parks, chair of the music department at Madonna University, has performed across the country in various settings. Their program includes the profound Prayer by Ernest Bloch, Antonin Dvorak’s popular Humoresque, Johannes Brahms’ Sonata in E minor, compositions by Robinson and other musical delights to mull a chilly winter evening.

Saturday, March 26, 8 pm

Bass & Guitar: Robert Hurst

& A. Spencer Barefield

Five-time Grammy Award winning bassist, composer and educator Robert Hurst returns home to welcome Spring with a jazzy musical fanfare. Hurst burst into national repute at a relatively young age, working with Out of the Blue, Wynton and Branford Marsalis, Harry Connick Jr. and a slew of other luminaries in addition to leading his own ensembles and recording original compositions. He performed, directed, composed and arranged music for the “Tonight Show with Jay Leno” for more than eight years. Hurst will be joined by guitarist A. Spencer Barefield, a 2010 Kresge Artist Fellow and critically acclaimed recording artist.

Saturday, April 30, 8 pm
Bass & Violin: John-Paul &
Jannina Norpoth

Palmer Woods’ own violin prodigy Jannina (Barefield) Norpoth made her concert debut at age 13 at Orchestra Hall as a soloist with the Detroit Symphony Orchestra. Recently married to bassist John-Paul Norpoth, the couple will bring their musical sparks to a unique classical program featuring many of their own arrangements. A sought after collaborative artist, John-Paul is the principle bassist in the Bachanalia Chamber Orchestra, and frequently performs at Carnegie Hall, Merkin Hall and Symphony Space.  Both are well versed in classical, pop and jazz, and have traveled the world to perform and record.

Saturday, May 28, 8 pm 
Violao: Sean Blackman, Wayne Gerard & Larry Fratangelo

Violao means guitar in Portuguese, and indeed the guitars of leader Sean Blackman and Wayne Gerard weave a tapestry of bossa nova, samba, flamenco and cha cha that send your senses far south of the border. Blackman is known for mingling the music of many world cultures. Jazzman Gerard has worked with the likes of Bob James, David Sanborn, Grover Washington and Kirk Whalum. They are joined by percussionist Larry Fratangelo, who’s worked with numerous stars from Funkadelic and Was (Not) Was to Anita Baker and Kid Rock. Together they create an intimate, yet expansive, sound to soothe your soul.

JAZZ FEST in the WOODS

Enjoy three summer concerts beneath a tent under the stars and sunshine set in the Borman-Redstone home gardens! Tour the home and learn about its history and design from the son of famed architect Louis Redstone.

Friday, June 24, 8 pm:
Ozzie Rivera’s Orquesta La Inspiracion

There is nothing better to get your body shaking on a velvety twilight than the Latin grooves of Orquesta La Inspiracion. Led by Puerto Rican-born congero Ozzie Rivera and music director-pianist Bill Meyer, this 10-piece unit honors the traditions of merengue, cumbia and Afro-Caribbean jazz, while forging new directions in Latin music. If a bit of that inspiration gets into your backside, it’s ok to let it move to the beat — bring your dancing shoes!

  Sat., June 25, 8 pm:

A. Spencer Barefield Ensemble

Palmer Woods’ intrepid musical explorer A. Spencer Barefield leads a quintet that winds through jazz from the traditional to outer limitless space. Barefield’s guitar skills have been compared to those of luminaries Andres Segovia and Jimi Hendrix. His cohorts include musicians with accomplished careers in jazz, classical, pop, African rhythms and rap, who fearlessly take that plunge: saxophonist David McMurray (regular with Bob James, Kid Rock and Kem); Oscar and Grammy awardee keyboardist Luis Resto; Juno-award winner Dave Young (Oscar Peterson’s bassist for years); and drummer Djallo Keita. This dynamic ensemble will take you on a memorable journey.

Sunday, June 26, 2 pm:

Grand Finale: Marion Hayden’s

Legacy Ensemble

If you haven’t heard Marion Hayden perform you’ve been hiding in the basement wearing ear plugs. The ubiquitous bassist is one of the most sought after Detroit musicians for local and national artists. She is a founding member of the all-women Straight Ahead ensemble, band leader, composer and recording artist. She is joined by horn players  Dwight Adams, Cassius Richmond and Vincent Bowens; pianist Henry Gibson; and drummer Djallo Djakate Keita. The Legacy Ensemble celebrates the compositions of the Detroit jazz icons — Kenn Cox, Donald Walden, Roy Brooks, Marcus Belgrave and others — whose tutelage brought along Hayden and other members of her sextet to create a new generation and keep alive the Detroit jazz traditions.

Past Concert: 

Sunday, Dec. 26, 7 pm
Naima Shamborguer Trio with A. Spencer Barefield & Don Mayberry
SOLD OUT! The nights may be cool after Christmas, but the jazzy and richly textured voice of Naima Shamborguer is sure to warm your heart and soul as we approach the New Year. Her polished vocal skills have been featured on stages across the U.S. with the likes of Geri Allen, Freddie Hubbard, Kenny Burrell, James Carter, Rodney Whitaker and Steve Turre, who has said that “Naima is not just a singer, she’s an artist.” Shambourger will be accompanied by world-renowned guitarist A. Spencer Barefield and the equally accomplished virtuoso bassist Don Mayberry.