No Tears Project - Presented by the UA Multicultural Center

The University of Arkansas Multicultural Center invites the UA campus community and Northwest Arkansas community at-large for an exciting concert featuring No Tears Project at Faulkner Performing Arts Center on campus.  The free concert is a part of the MC's Arts & Culture program and invites the entire community together to share and engage in dynamic cultural experiences throughout the academic year.

Special thanks to our promotional partners, UA Jazz and Northwest Arkansas Jazz Society

About The Multicultural Center
The Multicultural Center is a student-centered, multicultural, and intersectional space dedicated to welcoming all students and valuing their unique identities. Through cultural celebrations, intercultural public events, arts-based community outreach, educational forums, and partnerships, we promote cultural understanding and ensure access to opportunities. Our mission is to engage and empower students, fostering an inclusive environment where every individual can achieve their full potential and explore their shared humanity.

ABOUT NO TEARS PROJECT
No Tears Project is a jazz-inflected collective whose repertoire is inspired by civil rights history and themes of social equality. Join us for this special concert celebrating the release of their newest record, Humanitics, out February 25, 2025 from Mahakala Music. Led by vocalist-songwriter Kelley Hurt and pianist-composer Christopher Parker, No Tears Project strives to create recognition as a precursor to reconciliation. Joining Parker and Hurt for the performance will be Rodney Jordan (bass), Darrian Douglas (drums), Bobby LaVell (tenor sax), Marc Franklin (trumpet), Chad Fowler (alto sax), and special guests spoken word artist and author Treasure Shields Redmond, plus choreographer/researcher, Ashley Tate. Humanitics features 8 tracks, including a suite of 5 new songs written by jazz luminary and Arkansas-born composer Oliver Lake (World Saxophone Quartet; Black Artist Group). For more information, visit notearsproject.com. 

ABOUT THE NEW NO TEARS PROJECT ALBUM:  Humanitics 
No Tears Project, the ensemble renowned for blending disparate styles of jazz, spoken word, and dance into a tapestry of socially conscious artistry, proudly announces the release of their new album, Humanitics, on February 25, 2025 from Mahakala Music. Led by pianist Christopher Parker and vocalist Kelley Hurt, No Tears Project’s deeply evocative collection–which includes new works by composer Oliver Lake and a fresh arrangement of a Donald Brown tune, among other original songs–will be available on Spotify, Bandcamp, and Apple Music.
 
Humanitics reflects the human spirit, resilience, and the enduring pursuit of justice. Aptly for this theme, amongst eight tracks, the album prominently features a collection of five poignant pieces composed by jazz luminary Oliver Lake (World Saxophone Quartet; Black Artist Group). These songs, inspired by five of Lake’s poems, satirically mock the inhumane treatment of Black men in the United States by reinterpreting the murders of Trayvon Martin, Eric Garner, Ahmaud Arbery, George Floyd, and Amadou Diallo. Lake’s creative influence extends beyond the music to the album's visual identity, with provocative cover art featuring his painting Homeboy Kente.  
 
“I am very excited for the release of Humanitics,” said Oliver Lake. “Even though the pieces deal with heavy subject matter, I find the music inspirational. No Tears Project was an excellent group for this collaboration. Their attention to detail and their high level of improvisation and musicianship made this partnership a moving experience.”

In addition to Lake’s contributions, Parker and Hurt tapped the robust talent within No Tears Project to write new work for Humanitics. The ensemble’s trumpeter Marc Franklin worked collaboratively with esteemed pianist and composer Donald Brown to create a fresh arrangement of Brown’s tune “A Poem for Martin,” while tenor saxophonist Bobby LaVell penned “My Spirit Is Stronger Than Your Persecution.” Special guest poet and author Treasure Shields Redmond also contributed a brilliant longform poem, “Who Is Sam Blow?” that the band transformed into a compelling improvised groove, which caps the album. The poem explores the story of Dred and Harriet Scott–two enslaved people who, in the 1850s sued in pursuit of their freedom, culminating in the landmark U.S. Supreme Court case, Dred Scott v. Sandford. 
 
“Humanitics includes some of the most brilliant originals and arrangements I've heard…and the band is smoking,” said Donald Brown. “I was excited to work with my good friends Christopher Parker and Kelley Hurt to keep the light on social causes–the music was just the icing.”

"This music allows us to honor our heroes, our history, and our shared humanity," said Christopher Parker, pianist and co-producer of the album. "We aren't trying to preach with this album. It isn’t about politics—it’s humanitics. These tunes and stories belong to everyone, and we hope they inspire listeners as they have inspired us."
 
Humanitics features eight tracks that explore themes of equality, resilience, and truth:
A Poem for Martin
Standing Your Ground
Alleged Choke Hold
LDT - Long Dirty Toenails
Pre-Existing Conditions
We're Too Tall
My Spirit Is Stronger Than Your Persecution
Who Is Sam Blow?

Personnel for No Tears Project’s Humanitics includes:
Christopher Parker – Piano
Kelley Hurt – Vocals and Spoken Word
Marc Franklin – Trumpet and Flugelhorn
Bobby LaVell – Tenor Saxophone
Chad Fowler – Alto Saxophone
Rodney Jordan – Bass
Darrian Douglas – Drums and Percussion