Historic Wilmington-based artist collective returns, featuring Jazz performances by Arnold Hurtt and the Funk Factory Band, Wayne Morgan Band
The Delaware Art Museum presents a pair of jazz shows this fall during the upcoming exhibition Afro-American Images: The Vision of Percy Ricks highlighting the multi-disciplinary diversity of Aesthetic Dynamics’ membership. Arnold Hurtt, the current vice president of Aesthetic Dynamics, will take the stage at the Delaware Art Museum on Sunday, November 7, at 1:30 p.m. with his group, Arnold Hurtt and the Funk Factory Band. On Sunday, December 5 the Museum will present the Wayne Morgan Band–a quartet that features Wayne Morgan on drums with its sound anchored by Hammond B3 organ. These jazz performances play homage to the many artistic disciplines brought together under Percy Rick’s vision.
Arnold Hurtt and the Funk Factory Band has been singing and playing rhythm and blues together since childhood. Hurtt will lead the 5-piece ensemble, on trumpet. The Wayne Morgan Quartet is a mix of jazz, rhythm and blues that pays tribute to Wilmington’s history as an organ jazz town. Both bands will play live music for in-person guests at the Museum, with a virtual livestream option for audiences at home.
Afro-American Images: The Vision of Percy Ricks looks back on the moment in Wilmington’s history, February 1961, when African American artist collective Aesthetic Dynamics presented its first major undertaking: an exhibition of over 130 works of art by 66 African American artists. This exhibition will include most of the artists who participated in the 1971 show, many known locally, and pair the exhibition with dynamic jazz performances. “Ricks loved music. He loved all kinds of music like jazz and rhythm & blues. That’s how we paired up,” remembers Aesthetic Dynamics member and jazz performer Arnold Hurtt.
These performances are made possible by support provided through the PNC Arts Alive initiative that is funded by the PNC Foundation. The livestreaming of these performances is sponsored by AARP. This organization is supported, in part, by a grant from the Delaware Division of the Arts, a state agency, in partnership with the National Endowment for the Arts. The Division promotes Delaware arts events on www.DelawareScene.com.
IF YOU GO:
WHAT: Arnold Hurtt & The Funk Factory Band
WHEN: Sunday, November 7, 2021, 1:30 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.
INFO: delart.org
WHAT: Wayne Morgan Quartet
WHEN: Sunday, December 5, 2021, 1:30 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.
INFO: delart.org
WHERE: Delaware Art Museum, 2301 Kentmere Pkwy, Wilmington, DE 19806
COST: Tickets to each performance are $10 Members, $15 Non-Members, $10 Virtual
Press Contact: Amelia Wiggins, Director of Communications & Engagement, awiggins@delart.org or 302-351-8503.
About the Delaware Art Museum
For over 100 years, the Museum has served as a primary arts and cultural institution in Delaware. It is alive with experiences, discoveries, and activities to connect people with art and with each other. Originally created in 1912 to honor the renowned illustrator and Wilmington-native, Howard Pyle, the Museum’s collection has grown to over 12,000 works of art in our building and sculpture garden. Also recognized for British Pre-Raphaelite art, the Museum is home to the most comprehensive Pre-Raphaelite collection on display outside of the United Kingdom, and a growing collection of significant contemporary art.
Under the leadership of our Board of Trustees, the Delaware Art Museum is implementing a comprehensive approach to community and civic engagement. This exciting new strategic direction requires that we increase our value and relevance to all audiences. Visit delart.org for the latest exhibitions, programs, and performances or connect with us via social media.