Join Bob Dylan Center inaugural artist-in-residence Joy Harjo and senior director Steven Jenkins for a members-only online conversation in celebration of Joy’s newly released album “Insomnia and Seven Steps to Grace,” a deeply ruminative yet joyous collection of songs that speak to both timely and timeless themes of personal reflection, societal imbalance and spiritual renewal. Written and performed with acclaimed jazz bassist and composer Esperanza Spalding, recorded at The Church Studio right here in Tulsa and released on the historic Folkways Records label, “Insomnia and Seven Steps to Grace” is a provocative and ultimately comforting soundtrack to our tumultuous era, enlivened by Joy’s indelible poetic lyricism, sly vocal delivery and impassioned saxophone playing.
Joy will discuss her artistic process and the many steps — seven and counting — that led to the album’s gestation, creation and circulation, and will share and elucidate select tracks. Members are invited to join Joy and Steve for this hour-long Zoom session and contribute their own questions and comments.
Appointed in 2020 to a rare third term as Poet Laureate of the United States, Tulsa resident and member of the Muscogee Nation Joy Harjo is an internationally renowned performer and writer. As artist-in-residence, Joy has co-curated the exhibition “Jesse Ed Davis: Natural Anthem,” presented poetry readings, and performed original songs and Dylan covers in the multi-artist concerts Shelter from the Storm: Celebrating the Fiftieth Anniversary of Blood on the Tracks and Wesley Stace’s Cabinet of Wonders.
Details:
Thursday, July 23, 2026
6 p.m. CT
This event will take place virtually; ticket holders will receive a Zoom link.
Tickets:
Free for Bob Dylan Center members
