After Hours
Good Folks in the Garden
Join us for an outdoor celebration co-hosted by the BMA and Good Folks Happy Hour. This one-night event will transform the Museum’s West Lawn into a vibrant community gathering, bringing together Baltimore’s creatives and neighbors for an evening of live music and connection. Featuring guest DJ and interdisciplinary artist Wes Felton, along with a special live acoustic set by multidisciplinary artist and musician Russell Taylor.
Come as you are or come dressed in your garden party best. Grab a cocktail at the cash bar and a bite from one of the food trucks. The BMA galleries are open until 9 p.m., with a special day of free admission to see Black Earth Rising.
Rooted in joy, and powered by good music, Good Folks in the Garden creates a space to unwind, make friends, and honor the brilliance of everyday people doing good work.
This event is for adults 21 or older.
Tickets
Free for BMA members | $5 Non-Members
Advance registration is recommended.
Participants
Wes Felton
Wes Felton, a DC native and son of jazz pianist Hilton C. Felton Jr., is a multifaceted artist. He co-founded The Crossrhodes with Raheem DeVaughn, has performed alongside legends like Chris Rock, Bryan Jackson, Prince Paul and Meshell Ndegeocello. Studied acting at Carnegie Mellon and currently acts in film and TV. A dedicated artist and educator, he remains deeply rooted in DC’s arts community contributing to Ford’s Theatre’s Education Department.
Russel Taylor
Russell “Rt!” Taylor is a globally touring soul artist, VH1 You Oughta Know alum, and the creator and host of Soulversations—the acclaimed performance and conversation series spotlighting the depth and legacy of Black music. With a voice that’s equal parts velvet and fire, Rt! has shared stages with legends like Mary J. Blige, Jill Scott, and Lalah Hathaway, captivating audiences from NYC to Paris, Moscow, and beyond.
Known for his emotional truth and masterful showmanship, Taylor brings that same spirit to the airwaves as the first on-air talent for SiriusXM’s Silk channel. His new acoustic radio version of Soulversations is a celebration of slow jams and real talk—connecting fans to the heart of the music and the artists behind it. Whether onstage, onscreen, or on-air, Rt! is a singular force in modern soul: magnetic, timeless, and deeply human.
Good Folks Happy Hour
Good Folks Happy Hour is a pop-up community gathering that brings together artists, organizers, culture-makers, and neighbors for intentional connection, joy, and celebration. Rooted in cultural traditions and powered by good music, conversation, and vibes, Good Folks Happy Hour creates a space to unwind, build relationships, and honor the brilliance of everyday people doing good work.
The idea was born from a series of conversations between childhood friends Larry Simmons and Aaron Greene, who were working remotely at R. House during the early days of the pandemic. What started as a way to stay grounded and connected soon grew into a shared vision for gathering “Good Folks” in spaces that feel like home—wherever we show up.