Music

JESS GARLAND is a Dallas-based singer-songwriter, recording and performing artist. She is a multi-instrumentalist who combines harp and guitar loops to evoke her unique brand of celestial avant-garde pop with ethereal jazz tones. Jess is also the President and Founding Director of Swan Strings and has recently been appointed Executive Director at Girls Rock Dallas.

BANDAN KORO AFRICAN DRUM & DANCE studies and shares experiences associated with African culture and history through the medium of dance, music, and specialized presentations for African and African Diaspora related music, dance, and culture.

Movement

BECKLES DANCING COMPANY provides a platform where performers and audiences of all ages are inspired to celebrate the techniques, creative powers and fusion of dance movement.

Spoken Word

THE ART INSPIRED HEALING COLLECTIVE is a community-based organization that is committed to promoting compassion, mindfulness, meditation, and healing for the people of Dallas. They view healing and self-care as a revolutionary act, one, which can help all individuals lead a more productive and healthy life. The spoken word segment was led by King Shakur and Jonathan ‘GNO’ White.

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Swan Strings founder and multi-instrumentalist Jess Garland has a mission to bring concerts to communities where she provides free music education. All of Swan Strings music instructors are Dallas legends in the music and arts community. Swan Strings currently provides seven music lessons (6 in person and one virtual) in guitar and ukulele. The program partners with Southwest Adventist Junior Academy in Cedar Crest, Raul Quintanilla STEAM Academy in Kessler, and Artstillery in West Dallas. In 2023, Swan Strings will return with classes at Pan-African Connection, South Dallas Cultural Center, and Arts Mission Oak Cliff with the new board of director member Zach Galindo from Lake Highlands School of Music. Founded in 2019, Swan String is a 501c3 nonprofit organization with a mission to provide free music education, community concerts, and sound therapy services to North Texas individuals without access.

Jess Garland is a Dallas-based singer-songwriter, recording and performing artist. She is a multi-instrumentalist who combines harp and guitar loops to evoke her unique brand of celestial avant-garde pop with ethereal jazz tones. Jess was recently announced in the 22-23 season of the Elevator Project at the AT&T Performing Arts Center. Jess most recently performed and presented a talk for TEDx titled, Facing The Music: Finding Your Purpose in October 2022. In 2021, Garland was awarded the Local Legend award in Nashville, TN from Wild Turkey’s Creative Director, Matthew McConaughey for keeping music alive in Dallas. Jess is also the President and Founding Director of Swan Strings and has recently been appointed Executive Director at Girls Rock Dallas.

Learn more about SDCC Music Lounges