A. Spencer Barefield
Chances are you have heard about Palmer Woods if you are a native Detroiter. But you probably didn’t find out about it in the media because this enclave nestled west of Woodward Avenue and north of Seven Mile Road rarely makes it into news reports. Beautiful homes and great architecture just aren’t sexy enough.
National and local media alike prefer to report stories about high drop out rates, failing schools and rampant unemployment. Consequently, people spend a lot of time talking about what’s bad about Detroit.
But, cultural advocates Barbara and A.Spencer Barefield are on a quest to change this dynamic. She is a visual artist and he is an internationally-renowned guitarist. Together, they have formed the Creative Arts Collective (CAC). Barbara Barefield recently sat down for a virtual chat with the Examiner.com to talk about the CAC and their Palmer Woods Music in Homes Concert Series.
Why did you start the Music in Homes series?
When Spencer and I first moved into Palmer Woods, more than 22 years ago, we looked at our spacious, connected living and dining rooms and knew it had terrific potential as a concert space. More than two years ago, we created Palmer Woods Music in Homes in partnership with our neighborhood's Palmer Woods Association (PWA). We convinced the PWA Board that we could present great Detroit-based jazz, classical and world music concerts in our historic homes and raise much needed money for our neighborhood. Now, as we are launching the third year of the series, we have raised significant funds for the neighborhood through our sold-out, artistically topnotch series. And Spencer and I, through CAC, have continued our mission to enrich the arts and cultural environment here in Detroit by presenting great music, developing new audiences, supporting artists and even including a free educational component with free children's concerts.
You are a member of an accomplished musical family. Are you a musician as well?
I am not a musician, but I love jazz and many other musical styles. Spencer and Jannina are the musicians in the family, and our son, Spencer, is a fine pianist -- but not a public performer. I am a ceramic artist, as well as a photographer and graphic designer. I designed the logo for the concerts, as well as all the web and print materials for the series. I handle the PR, logistics and organization of volunteers for the concerts, as well as work with homeowners, our Palmer Woods board, and the musicians.
How do you choose the Music in Homes artists?
Spencer works with me on all aspects of the concerts, chooses the talent and is the main liaison with the musicians. Since he has been in the world of performance, recording and production for more than three decades, he has worked with and met many, many other fine musicians, who have been very cooperative about participating in the concert series.
How can this series change people’s perceptions about the city of Detroit?
Palmer Woods Music in Homes is probably the only one of its kind in the nation. By showcasing the amazing talent we have in this area, we are introducing new audiences to both the arts and our unique neighborhood. We are supporting historic preservation of our architectural treasures, as well as recognition and respect for Metro-Detroit's gifted musicians.
Our concept from the beginning was to give our audiences a taste of Detroit by showcasing jazz, classical and world music artists whose roots are in this locale. We have been able to feature highly talented artists with international acclaim, and help make more people in Michigan recognize their greatness. The series has become a cohesive force and catalyst in our neighborhood for growing friendships and developing other projects to improve our area. It has helped to turn our neighborhood from a collection of buildings to a village of people who help each other and work together for common good. The spirit of music and creativity is a positive healing force.
What else would you like Examiner.com readers to know?
Creative Arts Collective is trying to resume the educational component of the concert series: free children's concerts in the homes, which will be held on the afternoon preceding each concert. Tax deductible contributions are needed to fund the Creative Music for Children program. Donations can be made out to Creative Arts Collective and mailed to 19550 Argyle Crescent, Detroit, MI 48203.
The Palmer Woods Concert in Homes Series will be held in homes designed by legendary architects such as Frank Lloyd Wright, Richard Marr and others. A reception with refreshments is included. Tickets are $35 each. The series runs from Dec. 26 until June 27. The last three concerts — Jazz Fest in the Woods at the Frank Lloyd Wright home — on Friday, Saturday and Sunday, June 25, 26, 27, will feature the A. Spencer Barefield Trio with trumpeter Rayse Biggs (Friday), saxophonist David McMurray (Saturday) and saxophonist Wendell Harrison on (Sunday) for the grand finale. The Barefield Trio includes guitarist A. Spencer Barefield, bassist Dave Young and percussionist Djally Djakate Keita. Visit palmerwoods.org for more information about the series and/or to purchase tickets.
Photo Credit: Barbara Barefield
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