Deep Ellum’s historic role as a center of Black musical innovation is being honored through a new community arts initiative. Beginning August 6, free guitar classes will be offered at the Deep Ellum Community Center, led by acclaimed educators and artists Jess Garland and Kierra Gray Thomas.
The classes will be held Wednesdays and Fridays from 5:00 to 6:00 PM, and are open to students ages 8 and up, including adults. No prior musical experience is required, and participants of all skill levels are encouraged to join. The program aims to create an inclusive, intergenerational environment that fosters creativity, cultural awareness, and community connection.
Presented by Swan Strings, a nonprofit founded by Garland in 2019, the program carries deep cultural significance. Deep Ellum, originally a freedman’s town, became a national hub for blues, jazz, and folk traditions shaped by Black artists. This initiative is designed to honor that legacy—particularly the contributions of Black women, whose roles in shaping American music are often overlooked.
Jess Garland, a harpist, singer-songwriter, educator, and arts advocate, has long been committed to uplifting communities through music and equity in education. As previously profiled by Dallas Weekly in 2023, Garland’s work blends artistic excellence with activism—connecting sound, storytelling, and social justice.
Through Swan Strings, Garland has provided free music education to youth and families across Dallas, focusing on communities historically excluded from arts access. The organization has partnered with local schools, shelters, and cultural centers to ensure that music education is not a luxury, but a right.
“We’re creating more than just a class—we’re creating space to build community through sound,” Garland said. “To do this in Deep Ellum, where so many Black musicians and visionaries paved the way, is both powerful and necessary.”
The program reflects the themes explored in Garland’s award-winning short documentary, Behind the Strings, which offers a behind-the-scenes look at her work as an artist and activist. The film emphasizes the enduring influence of Black women in music and highlights ongoing efforts to expand equity and visibility in the arts sector.
Kierra Gray Thomas, a fellow educator and accomplished musician, joins Garland in leading the class. Together, they bring a shared commitment to nurturing young artists and preserving the cultural legacies that shaped their own musical journeys.
Registration is currently open. Community members may sign up on-site or by contacting programs@swanstrings.com. Participants are encouraged to bring their own guitars if possible, though a limited number will be provided for classroom use.
For additional information or media inquiries, contact Jess Garland at swanstrings@gmail.com.