Lysn and Prof Eros. Courtesy of the artists.
ALÁFiA
Featuring Lysn and his band with a special appearance by Prof Eros, First Friday: Aláfia is a dynamic celebration of Black History Month. The performance draws on traditional rhythms, deep cultural heritages and the contemporary zeitgeist to create a unique experience of drums and lyrical spoken word. Performing artists include: Oceana (vocals), Upswell (Bass), Joe Valdes (Violin), Duhran WILSON (Trumpet), Sharath (Guitar), and Laxman (Cajon).
Register in advance for fast check-in.
First Fridays
Everyone is invited to a relaxing evening of open galleries at SJMA. Visitors can check out current exhibitions on view, including Pao Houa Her: The Imaginative Landscape, Young Bay Mud, and ektor garcia: loose ends.
MUSEUM CAFÉ
Grab your late-night bites and cash bar at El Cafecito, by Mezcal Restaurant
Member benefit: Receive a 10% discount with every purchase at the Café!
MUSEUM STORE
Shop local! The Museum Store is also open late.
Member special: During the First Friday of every month, Museum members receive a 20% discount with every purchase at the Store!
This offer does not apply to items that are on sale.
About the performers
LYSN
Lysn is a multifaceted music artist, songwriter, and the lead vocalist of the Bay Area band, Barelyfunktional, based in San Jose, California. Growing up immersed in a diverse range of musical genres, Lysn developed a unique creative perspective and an open-minded approach to music. His passion for connecting with audiences through improvisation and engaging performances has made him and Barelyfunktional well-known for creating an inclusive, fun environment for all ages.
Lysn's stage name originates from his deep appreciation for the art of listening—an approach that has allowed him to gain valuable knowledge and insights over the years. With this knowledge, he had the opportunity to teach Hip Hop Culture and History to middle school students at DCP Middle School in San Jose, California, inspiring the next generation of artists.
As an independent artist, Lysn has been consistently releasing new music, collaborating with Reggaeton artist Mu, and expanding his musical horizons by incorporating bilingual elements into his songs. His evolving artistry has led him to perform on the same stages as renowned artists such as Blessed, Oro Solido, Dragon, Ñejo El Broko, Sonora Dinamit, and Andre Nickatina.
Lysn's distinctive sound blends elements of Hip Hop, Soul, Reggaeton, R&B, Electronic Rap, and Alternative, showcasing his versatility and commitment to pushing creative boundaries. With a career marked by innovation and community engagement, Lysn continues to make an impact in the music industry while staying true to his roots and passion for authentic artistic expression.
Folarin Erogbogbo (Prof. Eros), Ph.D: Pioneering Afrocentric Percussionist
Dr. Folarin Erogbogbo, affectionately known as Prof. Eros, Ph.D., stands at the forefront of Afrocentric performance, wielding his mastery in percussion and vocal call-and-response dynamics. Of Nigerian descent, his journey into the rhythmic realm began under the tutelage of the now esteemed Nigerian record producer, Don Jazzy. From those early days, drumming became more than a skill for Prof. Eros; it evolved into a fervent passion that would shape his life's trajectory.
Throughout his illustrious career, Prof. Eros has graced the stages of a myriad of events and venues, captivating audiences with his infectious beats and electrifying performances. From the pulsating rhythms of JollofTech to the corporate halls of PricewaterhouseCoopers and Google, from the academic sanctuaries of San Jose State University to the cultural celebrations of the Dream Keepers Awards and First Friday festivals, Prof. Eros has left an indelible mark on each stage he touches.
His transcendent artistry extends beyond mere entertainment; it delves into the very essence of Afrobeat hand drumming. Prof. Eros unveils the transformative power inherent within the drum, a force capable of reshaping atmospheres and elevating energetic states with its primal rhythms. Through his presentations and performances, he elucidates how these rhythmic variations infuse Afrobeat music with its distinctive vitality, serving as the heartbeat of the genre.
Support
San José Museum of Art First Fridays are made possible in part by major support from the Jay Paul Company.
Operations and programs at the San José Museum of Art are made possible by principal support from SJMA’s Board of Trustees, and a Cultural Affairs Grant from the City of San José and the Skyline Foundation; by lead support from the Lipman Family Foundation, the Adobe Foundation, the William Randolph Hearst Foundation, Toby and Barry Fernald, Tammy and Tom Kiely, Yvonne and Mike Nevens, the David and Lucile Packard Foundation, the Teiger Foundation, the Andy Warhol Foundation for the Visual Arts, and the SJMA Director's Council and Council of 100; and with significant endowment support from the William Randolph Hearst Foundation and the San José Museum of Art Endowment Fund established by the Knight Foundation at the Silicon Valley Community Foundation.
