No Tears Project

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No Tears Project is a jazz-inflected music and arts collective formed in 2017 and led by vocalist Kelley Hurt, and pianist Christopher Parker. The group’s repertoire is inspired by explorations into social equality and strives to create recognition as a precursor to reconciliation. Original work includes the No Tears Suite (2017) written by Parker and Hurt, inspired by the story of civil rights heroes The Little Rock Nine. No Tears Suite was expanded for chamber orchestra by bassist and composer Rufus Reid (2019). In 2023, No Tears Project premiered a new five-song work by saxophonist and composer Oliver Lake entitled Oxford Project; and collaborated with luminary pianist and composer Donald Brown, Bobby LaVell, and Marc Franklin. Additional projects included working with poet Treasure Shields Redmond and choreographer/researcher, Ashley Tate. In 2024, bassist and composer Rodney Jordan was also commissioned to write The Medgar Evers Suite (2024) for the group.