“America has a patchwork culture made of the dreams and songs of all its people.” – Alan Lomax
Grammy-winning guitarist/vocalist Clay Ross, 3x Grammy-winning drummer Clarence Penn, Grammy-nominated vocalist Falu Shah, and highly acclaimed bassist Yasushi Nakamura showcase the dynamic diversity of contemporary culture by reimagining timeless songs from America’s past.
APQ draws on a repertoire of centuries-old American folk songs that highlight America’s immigrant roots. They showcase America’s dynamic present by combining the diverse talents of four U.S. citizens, each with a unique cultural background. In this group, old songs are made new through creative arrangements that highlight the exceptional and well-honed skills of each member.
APQ performances strive to counter pervasive prejudices around the issues of race and immigration. In order to help strengthen our country’s social fabric, APQ desires that its audiences reflect on the notion that as Americans we must acknowledge our differences to discover our commonalities. We must recognize the realities of racism and prejudice in order to build authentic and lasting bonds across cultures and color lines. While we are not responsible for our country’s past, we are accountable for its future.
This engagement of American Patchwork Quartet is made possible through the ArtsCONNECT program
of Mid Atlantic Arts Foundation with support from the National Endowment for the Arts.
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We are creating a digital quilt and map that will travel with APQ on tour and online, growing and telling the story of our American Patchwork. Every American can find and trace their cultural and family roots through the prism of immigration and we, as Americans, have far more in common than we have differences. We want to add YOUR stories of immigration, cultural connection, and family origins to our quilt, to celebrate our differences and discover our commonalities.
