WILLIAMSBURG — Folk group American Patchwork Quartet will perform at William & Mary’s Music Arts Center Concert Hall Saturday.
The group was founded by Grammy Award-winning American roots artist Clay Ross, who also founded the Gullah musical group Ranky Tanky, which performed at the university in February.
APQ’s members include Ross, classical Indian vocalist Falu Shah, jazz drummer Clarence Penn and Japanese-born jazz bassist Yasushi Nakamura. The group blends their varied musical backgrounds to create an innovative sound.
“Just as an intricate quilt becomes a cherished family heirloom, when the distinct patterns of APQ’s music align in perfect harmony, the result is both a blanket of warmth and a timeless treasure,” the group explains on its website.
APQ’s self-titled debut album, released in February 2024, reflects America’s contemporary culture by reimagining U.S. folk songs. Tracks include “Wayfaring Stranger,” “Shenandoah” and “Beneath the Willow.” The album received a Best Folk Album nomination at the 67th Grammy Awards.
APQ will perform at 7:30 p.m. Tickets can be purchased online.
Nov. 7 at 5 p.m. in the Concert Hall, the group will also host a musical masterclass in partnership with the Office of the Arts and supported by the Charles Center through funding by the Elliot E. and Helen Y. Cohen Forum Endowment. The event is part of the Arts Masterclass series launched in 2024.
