bio
Rafael Leafar is a rare multi-instrumentalist who can combine great passion, intellectual discipline, and a spiritual fire that is evocative of great artistic creativity. His music is a reflection of his diverse life experiences and spiritual journey in Christ, and he has established himself as a true innovator in the contemporary music scene. As a multi-instrumentalist, composer, producer, and educator, Rafael has dedicated his life to exploring the depths of music and pushing the boundaries of what is possible while still making sure to deliver the Good News of the Gospel.
Residencies
Current Resident in Artist at MotorCity Wine (1949 Michigan Ave) every first Saturday of the month.
Major Performances
Detroit Jazz Festival 2022
Concert of Colors (Detroit Public Television 2020)
Strange Beautiful Music (New Music Detroit) Featuring Hidden Leafar Village
— September 12, 2019
Concert of Colors (Detroit Institute of Arts)
- July 14th, 2019
Robert L. Hurst ||| "Juneteenth" Suite at Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History
- June 19th, 2019
The Detroit Jazz Festival All-Stars; Rising Stars and Detroit Legends celebrate the Detroit Legacy
- Yokohama Kannai Hall - Yokohama, Japan - October 2017
Lectures & MasterClasses
Living Arts Teaching Artist at Western International High School - March 2018 - Current
Bishop Lawi Imathiu Secondary School, Meru, Kenya—May24th - June 9th 2019
Detroit Youth Volume Teaching Artist - 2018
http://www.detroityouthvolume.org/2018--electric.html
Lecturer for J.C Heard Jazz Week at Wayne State Master Class - July 2015
Publications
2020 Film & Music Kresge Artist Fellow
www.kresgeartsindetroit.org/portfolio-posts/rafael-leafar