News Release
Oxford American
Subscribe
 |
What is RSS
|
Contact: Brian Schwieger, 501-374-1957
Join the Oxford American, Gateway Arch National Park, and Jazz St. Louis for No Tears Project–St. Louis, a residency of free events across April 2023 that will use music and conversation to engage communities in civil rights education and storytelling.
The residency includes several panels and programs at the Gateway Arch National Park, culminating with two nights of performance at the Ferring Jazz Bistro. Below is a schedule of events along with links to register for the free programs.
Social Change Through the Arts
Sunday, April 2, 2023 - 2:00 pm Central Daylight Time
Gateway Arch National Park Theater
Free to the public
Register Here
A panel discussion featuring artists from the forthcoming No Tears Project St. Louis concerts, including composer/pianist Christopher Parker, vocalist Kelley Hurt, saxophonist/clarinetist and President & CEO of Jazz St. Louis, Victor Goines; choreographer/dancer Ashley Tate, and singer/songwriter Brian Owens. Poet, educator, and community arts organizer Treasure Shields Redmond will moderate the panel. The conversation will explore both the contemporary and historic role of music and the arts as vehicles for addressing civil rights and inciting social change, while highlighting the additional No Tears Project programs set to take place April 26-29 in St. Louis.
Recognition Before Reconciliation
Wednesday, April 26, 2023 - 6:30 pm Central Daylight Time
Gateway Arch National Park Theater
Free to the public
Register Here
A panel discussion featuring civil rights heroes and activists including Percy Green, founding member of ACTION; Little Rock Nine member Elizabeth Eckford; Lynne Jackson, great-great granddaughter of Dred and Harriet Scott and president/founder of Dred Scott Heritage Foundation; and others. Deputy Superintendent Tarona Armstrong of Gateway Arch National Park and Superintendent Robin White of Little Rock Central High School National Historic Site, both of whose careers with the National Park Service have focused on the preservation of American civil rights sites and stories, will provide opening remarks and context for the discussion.
As the inaugural event to the four-day No Tears Project residency, the conversation will reiterate St. Louis's role, alongside Little Rock's, as part of the legacy of the American Civil Rights story, highlighting the Gateway Arch National Park, Old Courthouse, and Little Rock Central High School National Historic Site. The 60 minute program will be followed by a reception in the lobby with food and drinks, where books will be available for purchase.
Community Concerts
Friday, April 28, 2023 - 7:30 pm and 9:30 pm Central Daylight Time
Saturday, April 29, 2023 - 7:30 pm and 9:30 pm Central Daylight Time
Jazz St. Louis Ferring Bistro
Free to the public
Reserve your seats
The No Tears Project jazz ensemble, led by pianist Christopher Parker and vocalist Kelley Hurt, will premiere new works created by and in collaboration with luminary composer Oliver Lake, poet Treasure Shields Redmond, dancer Ashley Tate, and singer Brian Owens that recognize St. Louisans and the city’s legacy in the broader American civil rights story. The band will also play selections from the No Tears Suite, which Oxford American commissioned in 2017 to honor the Little Rock Nine.
The No Tears Project at the Oxford American uses music and conversation to educate and engage communities with stories about civil rights. As an arts outreach program, the No Tears Project strives to create recognition as a precursor to reconciliation.
Last updated: February 8, 2023