Arts at the Armory is proud to welcome We Black Folk for a special showcase on March 20, 2026, as part of our Spotlight Series. Celebrating the depth, diversity, and brilliance of Black artistry in the folk and roots music world, this curated evening brings together six distinct voices – Cliff Notez, Tyler Donkoh-Halm, Tim Hall, Gabriella Simpkins, Dzidzor, and Alisa Amador – each offering a unique perspective melding acoustic roots with soul, poetry, and contemporary storytelling.

Rooted in Boston and growing as a vibrant cultural movement, We Black Folk is dedicated to highlighting and expanding the Black folk genre. The collective challenges narrow definitions of folk music by centering Black voices in a tradition deeply shaped by Black history, innovation, and resilience. Through performance, collaboration, and community-building, We Black Folk reclaims folk as a living, evolving practice – one that honors lineage while embracing experimentation.

Rather than presenting folk as a fixed form, We Black Folk treats it as a practice – something shaped by memory, place, and the act of gathering. Across individual sets and shared moments, the artists explore how songs carry history, how stories travel, and how community is built through sound.

Set within Arts at the Armory’s resonant Performance Hall, the evening unfolds as an invitation—to listen closely, to feel the interplay between tradition and innovation, and to experience music as a space for belonging. Intimate, expressive, and alive, the We Black Folk Showcase promises an evening of discovery and dialogue through song.

Participating Artists

Cliff Notez is a Boston-based multimedia artist, poet, and musician whose work blends hip-hop, folk, and experimental soundscapes. Known for his introspective lyricism and immersive performances, he explores themes of identity, memory, and transformation.

Tyler Donkoh-Halm is a Ghanaian-American singer-songwriter and producer whose music bridges folk, soul, and alternative influences. His warm vocals and thoughtful songwriting reflect a deep commitment to storytelling rooted in heritage and personal reflection.

Tim Hall is a multi-instrumentalist and vocalist whose style draws from folk, blues, and gospel traditions. His performances weave rich melodies with heartfelt narratives that honor the spiritual roots of American music.

Gabriella Simpkins is a singer-songwriter whose tender, emotionally resonant compositions center on vulnerability and connection. With a sound grounded in acoustic folk and contemporary indie influences, she crafts intimate songs that invite deep listening.

Dzidzor is a Ghanaian-American artist and cultural organizer whose work integrates music, movement, and community ritual. Through percussive rhythms and lyrical expression, she channels ancestral memory and contemporary voice.

Alisa Amador, winner of the 2022 NPR Tiny Desk prize, is a bilingual singer-songwriter blending Latin folk, jazz, and pop sensibilities. With crystalline vocals and masterful guitar work, her songs move fluidly between English and Spanish, celebrating heritage and emotional nuance.

Promo video: https://youtube.com/shorts/IB_kGGI1gHQ

We Black Folk is supported by BAMS Fest and Mass Humanities.

The Center for Arts at the Armory is located at 191 Highland Avenue, Somerville, MA 02143. To learn more, please visit their website, artsatthearmory.org,  Facebook page, and follow on Instagram at @ArtsattheArmory.

March 20,  7 p.m. We Black Folk Showcase: An Invitation to Listen Tickets: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/arts-at-the-armory-spotlight-series-presents-we-black-folk-showcase-tickets-1977930384023