Naomi Westwater

“Kinfolk: Courtyard” is a gathering where Black folk traditions converge in music, art, movement, and spirit. Set in the open air of the MFA’s Calderwood Courtyard, this one-night celebration features a powerhouse lineup of We Black Folk artists including Jake Blount, Grace Givertz, Cliff Notez, Zion Rodman, Chris Walton, Naomi Westwater, Stephanie McKay, and more. It all adds up to an unforgettable evening of performances, reflection, and collective joy. Rooted in the understanding that folk is not just a genre, but a cultural inheritance, this special event invites audiences to explore the living intersections of Black music, storytelling, and visual art. Drawing inspiration from visionary North Carolina artist Minnie Evans—whose work is featured in a special exhibition—and the legacy of musicians like Lesley Riddle, the evening bridges generations and disciplines, and asks the question: What happens when we let our traditions speak to one another? We will sing. We will dance. We will convene. Through live jam sessions, featured performances, and spontaneous moments of creative exchange, “Kinfolk: Courtyard” creates a new commons, a space where Black folk forms old and new are centered, celebrated, and alive. Don’t miss this one-of-a-kind experience—a must-see celebration of culture, kinship, and creativity. Come ready to witness, participate, and be moved. Events and Activities Before the music starts, head into the Museum for a Spotlight Talk and instrument demonstration that explore how visual art and music converge in Black folk traditions. Spotlight Talk: Minnie Evans in the Garden 6:15 pm Gallery LG26 Colton Klein, curator of “The Visionary Art of Minnie Evans,” explores the life and work of the inimitable North Carolina artist, focusing on her complex relationship with the local environment. Discover how personal experiences, communal histories, and spiritual practices shaped Evans’s artistic responses to the natural world. Echoes of the Banjo 6:30 pm Gallery 103 Step into the MFA’s musical instruments gallery and hear from local musician Grace Givertz as she discusses the banjo’s African roots, its transformation across generations, and its enduring role as a symbol of Black creativity and cultural memory. Learn about the banjo’s evolving place in folk music and beyond, and experience a live demonstration that brings the instrument’s rich history and unique sound to life. Event Policies Courtyard seating is limited; low lawn chairs (3 feet or under when unfolded) and/or blankets are recommended. Outside food and beverages and tall chairs are not permitted. All bags are subject to inspection by Museum staff. Ticket Information To order tickets by phone, call 1-800-440-6975 ($6 processing fee applies); to order in person, visit any MFA ticket desk.