Art, Music & the Muse

Jabari Jefferson

Jabari & J.C. Jefferson

Interview/Discussion

"Art, Music and the Muse"

Events on the second day of the Annapolis Jazz & Roots Festival take place at the Banneker-Douglass-Tubman Museum and focus on the intersection of visual art and music. Artist Jabari Jefferson's groundbreaking exhibition "Sacred Spaces" is featured at the museum this year. It features remarkable works on canvas, sculptures and a large-scale community installation created with area students and residents. The innovative young artist used oil paint and mixed media  (salvaged materials such as textiles, books, soil and clothing), to build the provocative artwork on display. His unique creations tell stories and reveal overlooked narratives around the history of black Marylanders. 

Festival Director Paulina Phillips learned that music is particularly inspiring to Jabari Jefferson and his tastes are far reaching - crossing continents and centuries from classical Russian composers to contemporary jazz.  What's on his current playlist and what else fuels his passion? This festival event provides the opportunity to discover more about his upbringing and education and where he developed the discipline necessary to find success as an artist. 

Plans for a father-son interview and related concert unfolded from conversation with the young artist. His father is a prominent jazz drummer who coincidentally, had previously performed at the festival with Hazel Mitchell-Bell. Drummer J.C. Jefferson holds a sterling reputation in and far beyond the nation's capital, where he resides. He has played with many of the greatest names in jazz and appears often at top DMV venues such as Blues Alley and Keystone Korner. The question arose: what inspired his life as a musician and how did his son come to be such a gifted and prolific visual artist?

At 1:00 PM, join us for a lively interview and discussion of how music inspires art and vice versa. Questions from the audience will be welcome.

A concert  featuring the J.C. Jefferson Quartet. follows at 2:00 PM. The theme is meaningful to both generations of the Jefferson family as well as millions of music lovers around the world. Enjoy a tribute to the legendary musician, composer, arranger and producer Quincy Jones, who passed away on November 3, 2024.  

Plan to come early to take in the compelling artwork. Reserve seats for the interview and concert as soon as possible. This will be a memorable afternoon and seating is limited. 

Visit Website