Improvisations Now at Real Art Ways is March 16th

Improvisations Now at Real Art Ways is March 16th

This month’s Improvisations Now at Real Art Ways includes DoYeon Kim, Dan O’Brien, Brad Barrett, and Joe Morris

Improvisations Now at Real Art Ways
Real Art Ways • 56 Arbor St, Hartford, CT 06106
March 16, 2025 • 2:30 pm
$15 for General Admission, $12 for members, $8 for full-time students

Improvisations Now at Real Art Ways

On Sunday, March 16, at 2:30 pm, Real Art Ways will host DoYeon Kim, Dan O’Brien, Brad Barrett and Joe Morris in concert. The event is part of Improvisations Now, a concert series where musicians come together to create unrehearsed and innovative music in real-time. This is the seventh concert of the 2024-2025 Improvisations Now season.

Tickets are $15 for general admission, $12 for Real Art Ways members, and $8 for full-time students.

DoYeon Kim: gayageum

DoYeon Kim is a traditionally trained Korean artist who plays the gayageum, a traditional Korean string instrument, and has developed a uniquely broad approach to music, incorporating Korean music, jazz, and improvisation, among other influences. Notably, she introduced the gayageum into the improvisational music scene worldwide. Her recent collaborative projects have broadened to include dancers, actors, and visual artists.

During her traditional Korean training, she won numerous international competitions for her gayageum performances, including the Dong-A Ilbo Traditional Music Competition (Gold Prize, 2009), and the On-Nala Korean Music Competition (Gold Prize, 2011). DoYeon is also a graduate of the Contemporary Improvisation Department at the New England Conservatory of Music, where she was the first student ever admitted to the school playing any kind of Korean traditional instrument. She joined the faculty at her alma mater (2022). She also holds graduate degrees from Berklee’s Global Jazz Institute.

She has worked with numerous composers, performing several world premieres. She has been a guest lecturer for gayageum and Asian music at Franz Liszt Academy of Music, Universidad Nacional De Colombia, Dartmouth College, and other universities. The Gyeonggi Sinawi Orchestra, a traditional music orchestra in Korea, has invited her as a music director (2021), and improvisation conductor (2023). DoYeon tries to share a new and broader approach to music, drawing from traditional Korean music, improvisation, and development of original playing techniques.

DoYeon has performed worldwide leading the Kim Do Yeon Band, alongside many improvisers, including Tyshawn Sorey, Joe Morris, Agusti Fernandez, Tony Malaby and Anthony Coleman. Her first album, GaPi (2017), intimately combined traditional Korean music and jazz, and was nominated for a 2018 Korean Grammy Award in the crossover album category. The same year, DoYeon released the free improvisation album Macrocosm with Joe Morris, and performed on Jim Snidero’s Korean themed jazz album Project-K (2020), alongside Dave Douglas, Orrin Evans, Linda Oh and Rudy Royston. DoYeon Kim was recognized by Grammy.com as one of 7 Musicians Pushing Ancient Asian Instruments Into The Future (2021), and is performing projects at Roulette as a Van Lier Fellow (2023).

Dan O’Brien: saxophone, clarinet, flute

Dan O’Brien is a woodwind player (alto sax, flute, clarinet) who was quite active in the early Contemporary period prior to the pandemic. He performed with Leap of Faith, The Leap of Faith Orchestra & Sub-Units project at Third Life Studios in Somerville, 3 of the 6 Graphic Scores for the full Leap of Faith Orchestra, Mekaniks, and Turbulence. He came to our scene along with Zach Bartolomei, also a reed player, and they performed together on most of the sets.

“A true virtuoso of the double bass with unlimited abilities. The possibilities of Free Music afford him the challenge to operate on the frontier of music, while his great technique grounds him with precision and musicality.” – Joe Morris

Brad Barrett: bass

Brad Barrett is a bassist, improviser, and educator. His practice engages the tools of improvisation and southern musical traditions to interrogate the complex interplay between freedom and structure. The Jazz Times has described Barrett’s style as “diced bits of Derek Bailey skronk” infused with “Delta blues twang,” and the Free Music Collective has lauded his playing as “singularly rhythmically genius.” In 2019, his first album, Cowboy Transfiguration—featuring Joe Morris on guitar and MacArthur Fellow Tyshawn Sorey on percussion—garnered critical acclaim for its distinctive sonic landscapes and virtuosity. Unlike conventional approaches to composition that place decision-making authority in the hands of a single composer, the compositional frameworks in Cowboy Transfiguration challenge players to maximize their creative freedom while adhering to rules for shared leadership. Over the past decade, Barrett has worked as an in-demand freelance musician; has performed with jazz luminaries such as Jason Moran, Sheila Jordan, Julian Lage, Evan Parker, Jerry Bergonzi, George Garzone, Taylor Ho Bynum and Rakalam Bob Moses; and has appeared on several noteworthy albums. In addition, Barrett is an award-winning educator whose innovative teaching practice has been consistently supported by the Massachusetts Cultural Council. Barrett holds a DMA in Contemporary Improvisation and a MM in Jazz Performance from the New England Conservatory.

Joe Morris: percussion, electronics

Joe Morris is a composer/improviser multi-instrumentalist who plays guitar, double bass, mandolin, banjo, banjouke electric bass and drums. He is also a recording artist, educator, record producer, concert producer/curator and author. His is considered to be one of the most original and important improvising musicians of our time. Down Beat magazine called him “the preeminent free music guitarist of his generation.” Will Montgomery, writing in The Wire magazine called him “one of the most profound improvisers at work in the U.S.”

He is originally from New Haven, Connecticut. At the age of 12 he took lessons on the trumpet for one year. He started on guitar in 1969 at the age of 14. He played his first professional gig later that year. With the exception of a few lessons he is self-taught. The influence of Jimi Hendrix and other guitarists of that period led him to concentrate on learning to play the blues. Soon thereafter his sister gave him a copy of John Coltrane’s OM, which inspired him to learn about Jazz and New Music. From age 15 to 17 he attended The Unschool, a student-run alternative high school near the campus of Yale University in downtown New Haven. Taking advantage of the open learning style of the school he spent much of his time playing music with other students, listening to ethnic folk, blues, jazz, and classical music on record at the public library and attending the various concerts and recitals on the Yale campus, including performances by Wadada Leo Smith. He worked to establish his own voice on guitar in a free jazz context from the age of 17, drawing on the influence of Coltrane, Miles Davis, Cecil Taylor,Thelonius Monk, Ornette Coleman as well as the AACM, BAG, and the many European improvisers of the ’70s. Later he would draw influence from traditional West African string music, Messian, Ives, Eric Dolphy, Jimmy Lyons, Leroy Jenkins, Steve McCall and Fred Hopkins. After high school he performed in rock bands, rehearsed in jazz bands and played totally improvised music with friends until 1975 when he moved to Boston.

Don’t Miss

• Aroma Joe’s serves up St. Patrick’s Day Magic
• Eat a sub: Help Make-A-Wish Connecticut
• Lake Compounce is hiring more than 1,000 employees for 2025 Season

•••• Message center – Connecticut savings and messages from our sponsors •••••••

Connecticut Merch

Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day

No matter what town you’re in, Finding Connecticut is ready to help you celebrate St. Patrick’s Day in style. Wear your town’s pride, rock the green, and make this St. Paddy’s Day unforgettable with unique, locally-inspired merch!

Fairfield County
Bridgeport • Stamford • Norwalk • Danbury • Greenwich • Fairfield • Stratford • Trumbull • Newtown • Westport • Ridgefield • Darien • New Canaan • Bethel • Monroe • Wilton • Brookfield • Weston • Redding • Easton • Sherman

New Haven County
New Haven • Waterbury • Meriden • Hamden • West Haven • East Haven • Milford • Naugatuck • Cheshire • Branford • North Haven • Guilford • Southbury • Ansonia • Madison • Derby • Prospect • Middlebury • Beacon Falls • Bethany

Hartford County
Hartford • West Hartford • East Hartford • New Britain • Bristol • Manchester • Southington • Enfield • Glastonbury • Newington • Windsor • South Windsor • Wethersfield • Farmington • Simsbury • Bloomfield • Rocky Hill • Berlin • Avon • Plainville • Windsor Locks • Granby • East Windsor • Canton • Burlington • Woodbridge • Marlborough • Hartland • East Granby

Litchfield County
New Milford • Torrington • Watertown • Plymouth • Winchester • Woodbury • Litchfield • New Hartford • Harwinton • Salisbury • Washington • Barkhamsted • Bethlehem • Goshen • North Canaan • Sharon • Roxbury • Morris • Bridgewater • Norfolk • Cornwall • Colebrook • Warren • Canaan

Middlesex County
Middletown • Old Saybrook • Portland • East Haddam • Haddam • Durham • Westbrook • Essex • Killingworth • Deep River • Middlefield • Chester

New London County
Norwich • Groton • New London • Waterford • East Lyme • Stonington • Montville • Griswold • Old Lyme • Lebanon • North Stonington • Preston • Salem • Lisbon • Sprague • Voluntown • Bozrah • Lyme • Franklin

Tolland County
Vernon • Mansfield • Ellington • Coventry • Stafford • Somers • Hebron • Willington • Columbia • Bolton • Andover • Kent • Tolland

Windham County
Windham • Killingly • Thompson • Putnam • Brooklyn • Woodstock • Canterbury • Pomfret • Ashford • Sterling • Chaplin • Hampton • Eastford • Scotland

If you’re from Connecticut or just love it, then you’ve come to the right place. Show your state pride with our assortment of unique Connecticut merchandise.

Our popular collections 203 • Two o’ Three • 860 • Eight Six O’ • I Really Really Miss Connecticut • Just a kid from Connecticut • Pride • Love & Live • Connecticut Fall

We also have merch by town, not all towns are available yet. You can always contact us and we can order the design you are looking for.

Save 10% on all products with promo code Post10. Always free shipping

AMG Catering & Events Spring Cooking Schedule

3/12 – St. Patrick’s Day Class – Click here for more information
3/19 – “Clam Jam”: Dreaming of the Ocean – Click here for more information
3/26 – Spring Cocktail Party – Click here for more information
4/9 – Boozy Brunch with sipstirs – Click here for more information
4/30 – Cinco de Mayo Class – Click here for more information
5/14 – Spring Sauce Class – Click here for more information
5/21 – Hibachi / Blackstone Class — Click here for more information

Get Ready to Rock with Dropkick Murphys at Mohegan Sun

The Dropkick Murphys are bringing their high-energy Celtic punk sound to Mohegan Sun on March 13 for a night of unforgettable music! Known for their raucous live performances and anthemic hits, this is a concert you don’t want to miss.

Come feel the roar of the crowd and the spirit of St. Patrick’s Day early as the Dropkick Murphys bring their signature blend of punk rock and Irish folk to the stage. Whether you’re a longtime fan or new to their electrifying tunes, it’s going to be an epic night.

Click here for more information

Jersey Mike’s Month of Giving

Celebrate Jersey Mike’s 15^th Annual Month of Giving! Make a donation all month long at your local Jersey Mike’s and make sure to stop by March 26 for Day of Giving, when 100 percent of sales will be donated to Make-A-Wish Connecticut. Learn more at Eat a Sub: Help Make A Wish Connecticut

Fairfield Theatre Company March Events

3/12 – Film: Blindsided by AI – Click here for tickets
3/14 – Mystic Dead – Click here for tickets
3/15 – ST. Patrick’s Day at FTC – Click here for tickets
3/19 – CHOIR! CHOIR! CHOIR! – Click here for tickets
3/21 – Big Bad Voo Doo Daddy – Click here for tickets
3/22 – The Rock & Roll Playhouse – Click here for tickets
3/22 – Claire Maloney & The Great Adventure – Click here for tickets
3/25 – Improvement Movement – Click here for tickets
3/27 – Concert to benefit Caroline House – Click here for tickets
3/27 – Ryan Montableu – Click here for tickets
3/28 – Pink Talking Fish – Click here for tickets
3/29 – Gabe Dixon – Click here for tickets
3/30 – Sam Greenfield – Click here for tickets

Gourmet Cookies

Indulge in Keksi gourmet cookies, featuring classic flavors such as chocolate chip and snickerdoodle, as well as new monthly creations. Made with the highest quality ingredients, each bite is a delicious treat. Perfect for any cookie lover!

Hartford Wolf Pack March home games

3.21.25 – Hartford Wolf Pack vs Hershey Bears click here to purchase tickets
3.22.25 – Hartford Wolf Pack vs Milwaukee Admirals click here to purchase tickets

Movie showtimes at Prospector Theater

Looking to see a movie. Click here for showtimes

Save on CBD!

My name is Jillian, and I am the editor here at Finding Connecticut. When I came across New England Hemp Farm a few years ago, I had recently had my ankle fused. New England Hemp Farm’s Sports Relief Rub and 500 MG Full Spectrum CBD Oil have helped with everyday and weather pain.

Finding quality products that can improve your day-to-day life can be tough, but with New England Hemp Farm, getting a good night’s sleep or relieving your pain and anxiety has never been easier. Plus, using our code Findingconnecticut35, you’ll save 35% on your first purchase. And don’t forget, returning customers can use code Findingconnecticut20 to save 20% on orders. Let us help you find relief and savings with New England Hemp Farm.

Products we use here at Finding Connecticut include Sports Relief Rub • 500 MG Full Spectrum CBD Oil • Pet Drops • Pet Treats

Let’s create with Victory Designs

Need help with your creative needs? Our team has 20+ years of experience with Adobe, Shopify, and WordPress, and we offer affordable graphic design and web services. Let Victory Designs assist you with bringing your ideas to life.

Connecticut business owners:
Are you a local business owner in Connecticut looking to boost your visibility and reach more customers? Look no further! Our platform provides a unique opportunity to showcase your business to an engaged audience of people who love and live in Connecticut. By partnering with us, you can reach potential customers who are actively seeking things to do, places to dine, and local merchants and service providers to support. Don’t miss out on this chance to grow your business and connect with the local community!

Connecticut with us!

Stay informed with daily news directly in your inbox! Our service is completely free, and we guarantee your privacy – your email and information will never be shared, traded, or sold.

Stay connected with us on social media
Facebook • Instagram • Threads • Tiktok • X • Google News • Newsbreak • Bluesky
Join our Reddit community

Share your Connecticut experiences with us by using #findingconnecticut on Instagram

Click here to return to Finding Connecticut’s home page

Don’t miss our reviews

Concert reviews • Restaurant reviews • Family restaurant reviews

Looking for the latest news by region, topic, and events

Foxwoods Resort Casino shares line up of March events

ICYMI: Our top 5 posts of the week

Improvisations Now at Real Art Ways is March 16th