When people think of harp music, they often conjure images of ethereal angels or red-headed performers from Ireland.

This Sunday, April 29, you can hear a different kind of harp music when Patricia Terry-Ross plucks a decidedly classical and jazzy harp for the pure enjoyment of patrons at the “Music in Homes” concert in Palmer Woods.

Terry-Ross, the 2017 Kresge Eminent Artist, has performed on some of the world’s most renowned stages, including the Kennedy Center and Carnegie Hall, accompanying Luciano Pavarotti, Sammy Davis Jr. and Johnny Mathis. Her strings have filled the Michigan Opera Theater for 40 years and running. She dates back to Motown recordings in the 1970s with such legendary stars as Marvin Gaye and The Temptations.

This Sunday, she performs with the Eason Trio, including violinist Velda Kelly and cellist Nadine Deleury. The members of the ensemble also play back-up for the Michigan Opera Theater, the Detroit Symphony Orchestra and Chamber Music at the Scarab Club. Performing at the Palmer Woods gives them an intimate setting in a glorious, architecturally significant home in northwest Detroit.

This is the 11th year of historic home and garden events in Palmer Woods, the brainchild of residents A. Spencer and Barbara Barefield. Many neighbors and friends volunteer to serve wine, dinner and desserts.

The event began as an alternative to the annual holiday home tour. Instead of quick walks through multiple homes, people would enjoy the spacious homes and gardens and listen to fine music as these homes were designed to entertain large crowds. With the welcome mat open, more people have flocked to concerts, home prices have risen, and the community flourishes.

The concert takes place in one of the neighborhood’s historic homes. It starts at 7 p.m. with a delicious meal and a reception to meet the artists.

Tickets are $50. For more information on this concert and upcoming ones and to buy tickets, please click here or call 313-891-2514. A portion of the profits from the series does go to community charities and to help to maintain and beautify the neighborhood.

— Lead photo: Patricia Terry-Ross. Photo courtesy of musicians.

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