St. Louis Residency

In April 2023, No Tears Project Ensemble conducted a multi-day residency with concerts, a masterclass, and panel discussions in St. Louis, MO in partnership with Gateway Arch National Park, Jefferson National Parks Assocation, Oxford American, Jazz St. Louis, and Dred Scott Heritage Foundation.

The residency included the premiere of new commissions including music and poetry by luminary saxophonist Oliver Lake, as well as new work by author and poet Dr. Treasure Shields Redmond, new dance by Ashley Tate, and a new song by singer Brian Owens.

Video of "A Poem for Martin" - arranged by Marc Franklin, composed by Donald Brown

• Video of "Oxford Projecct" - poetry and music composed by Oliver Lake
• Video of "Who Is Sam Blow?" - poetry by Dr. Treasure Shields Redmond
• Video of "So Close But So Far Away" - music and words by Brian Owens and Charles Ransom, II
• Video of the Full Concert at Jazz St. Louis

Additionally, a panel discussion exploring the stories of civil rights activists Elizabeth Eckford, member of the Little Rock Nine; Percy Green, II, member of CORE and co-founder of ACTION; and Lynne M. Jackson, great-great granddaughter of civil rights Dred and Harriett Scott took place at Gateway Arch National Park, and was moderated by journalist Carol Daniel.

• Video of the panel discusion at Gateway Arch National Park

No Tears Project Ensemble was also honored to perform at Gateway Arch National Park, and and to conduct a masterclass and performance for students at historic Sumner High School in St. Louis.