Beyond the Frames: A Series in Jazz featuring Barron Ryan

Beyond the Frames: A Series in Jazz features three performances that, through jazz, musically illuminate the remarkable lives and legacies of Sojourner Truth, William and Martha Brown, and Frederick Douglass, the subjects of the Great Hall’s newest portrait installations. The performances will captivate jazz fans, history buffs, artists, poets and storytellers, and, well, everyone!!

Series and individual performances tickets are available. Buy Tickets

Pianist, composer, and author, Barron Ryan brands his talent: Classic Meets Cool. The son of two musicians, Barron Ryan grew up in a house filled with the sounds of artists ranging from Mozart to Motown. In his own work, he combines those disparate influences into a musical adventure that’s vintage yet fresh, historical yet hip, classic yet cool. Smithsonian Magazine named him one of the Ten Innovators to Watch in 2021.

www.barronryan.com

Ryan’s signature recital program features a thrilling combination of classical works, renditions from great jazz pianists, pop tune arrangements, and original compositions that incorporate funk, country, and ragtime elements. The October performance includes an original work inspired by William and Martha Brown. Barron Ryan’s compositions bring an evening of musical reverence, honoring the contributions, passion, and struggles for Black equality told through music.

The first Person of Color inducted as a member of the Worcester County Mechanics Association, William Brown held innovative design patents for “Brown’s Patent Fruit Picker” and “A New and Improved Sofa Bed.” His successful upholstery and drapery business established his importance to the blossoming industrial trade markets in Worcester. William and his wife Martha were leaders in Worcester’s community and shared their extensive home library to neighbors. They raised funds for escaped and freed slaves and, friends of Frederick Douglass, were purportedly involved with the Underground Railroad activities.

Host or Publisher Mechanics Hall