Successful Inaugural Program Expanded for 2023-2024 with a Roster of Solo Pianists and More
The Delaware Art Museum has expanded its Jazz Series for 2023-2024 following a successful inaugural season in 2022. The current series debuts on Thursday, October 5, 2023, and features Dayramir González, who will play—on the Museum’s century-old Steinway Grand Piano—his favorite works, and tell stories from his life. The Jazz Series is hosted by Raye Jones Avery, an accomplished jazz vocalist and a Wilmington arts leader, who will engage each guest artist in “Chords and Conversations,” an artist chat with audience participation. Tickets are available at delart.org for $30, with a discount for Museum members. Refreshments will be available for purchase.
Each installment of the Jazz Series takes place on the first Thursday of the month from 7—9 p.m. and performances last approximately 1.5 hours, with the artist chat occurring mid-performance. Future dates are November 2, 2023; February 1, March 7, April 4, and, May 2, 2024. Additional artists for this season—nearly all pianists and some vocals—include Sumi Tonooka, V. Shayne Frederick, Cyrus Chestnut, and Brandi Younger, with one more to be announced.
Avery says, “The solo nature of the artists we’ve selected for the Jazz Series creates a sense of intimacy and individualism within the performances, and the Chords and Conversation chats—which are more than just interviews, but real audience interaction—have become a unique feature that appeals to the community. Plus, the acoustics in the Museum are wonderful, and the audience not only can, but does listen very intently.”
González is a Havana-born Yamaha artist who began his professional career as a pianist and composer with former Irakere member Oscar Valdes’ Afro-Cuban jazz ensemble, Diákara, at the age of 16. Since winning Havana’s JoJazz festival in 2004 and 2005, González has gone from winning three Cubadisco awards for his 2007 debut album “Dayramir & Habana enTRANCé” to becoming Berklee College of Music’s first Cuban national “Presidential Scholarship” recipient to perform in 15,000-seat stadiums. Performing with legends such as Chucho and Bebo Valdes and headlining Carnegie Hall, González represents the young generation of Afro-Cuban jazz.
Avery adds, “González is very skillful, but the animation and the joyfulness of his connection to the instrument, and his musical expression, are very uplifting. For people who are really interested in moving to the music, this is a great artist to experience.”
The series was curated by Jonathan Whitney, owner of Flux Creative Consulting, who has worked behind the scenes to help make the series happen. Whitney says, “I am excited to share these special artists with our community in such a beautiful and intimate setting.”
Saralyn Rosenfield, the Museum’s Director of Learning and Engagement, says, “Based on the success of last year’s two-part Fall Jazz Series, we’ve tripled the program and expanded it from October through May. The concerts are mesmerizing and the experience is congenial and social, plus you come away from the program having learned something. We love being able to bring jazz and art together in a multi-disciplinary space—art connects us.”
In addition to promoting the mission of the Museum to connect people with art and to each other, this expanded Jazz Series serves as a preview to an exciting Jazz Age Illustration exhibition the Museum presents next fall, which highlights illustrative art originating from the Jazz Age of American history.
For more information about the exhibition, visit our website.
This event is made possible through a grant provided by PNC Arts Alive and the TD Charitable Foundation. 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.
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.
IF YOU GO:
WHAT: Jazz Series with Raye Jones Avery featuring Dayramir González
WHEN: Thursday, October 5, 2023, 7 p.m.
WHERE: Delaware Art Museum, 2301 Kentmere Parkway, Wilmington, DE 19806
COST: $30, with discount for members
INFO: delart.org