four questions Barbara Barefield chats with Platinum. Bringing world-class musicians into some of Detroit's most unique historic homes is a passion for BARBARA BARERELD. Three years ago, she and her husband, jazz guitarist and composer Spencer Barefield, started the Palmer Woods Music in Homes series. International and local musi- cians put on jazz, classical and world- music concerts at various upscale houses. "We've raised significant funds for strengthening and improving our neighborhood and carried out our mission to enrich the arts and cultural environment in Detroit," said Barefield, 59. The couple has lived in Palmer Woods for 22 years. Their children, Jannina, 28, and Spencer, 23, are pursuing careers in music and art. Barbara, a cancer survivor, is originally from New York. She moved to Ann Arbor in 1968 to attend the University of Michigan School of Architecture and Design, where she majored in painting and ceramics. Her career has focused on photography and graphic design, but music plays a key role in her life. "By showcasing the amazing talent we have in this area," she said, "we're introducing new audi- ences to both the arts and our unique neighborhood." For tickets for future concerts, go to palmerwoods.org or call (313) 891-2514. Here, we ask Barbara Barefield our version of the Four Questions. — Robin Schwartz WHAT BOOK, CD OR OTHER MEDIA DO YOU LONG TO SHARE? WHAT IMPORTANT LIFE LESSONS HAVE YOU RECENTLY LEARNED? I love my husband's music. JazzTimes magazine describes him as a musician who "melds the tech- niques of Segovia and Jimi Hendrix into a star- tling jazz lexicon." I recommend all of the Spencer Barefield CDs, including his most recent, Soul Steppin' Through the Fabulous Ruins. I'd also like to share The Lemon Tree, an Israeli film about the con- flict between Salma, a Palestinian woman, and her Israeli neighbors — the Israeli defense minister and his wife — over Salma's ancestral lemon orchard. Several years ago, it became apparent that my mom, who was in her 80s and diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease, should not be living alone in New York. I brought her to Detroit, hoping she would agree to live here. She became the queen of our home for more than two years. She never realized she was liv- ing with us, which would have upset her greatly; she believed she was visiting. My husband, whom she refused to meet until our wedding day (she felt an African-American non Jew was not the best match for her daughter), became her best friend. Our mul- tiracial, multigenerational family found increased healing and bonding through love and music. She taught us every moment is precious. IF YOU COULD BRUNCH WITH A BIBLICAL OR HISTORICAL JEWISH FIGURE, WHO WOULD IT BE? Marc Chagall. His magical artwork reflected and immortalized Jewish life in the 19th-century shtetls of Russia and Eastern Europe, home of my ances- tors. With masterful use of vibrant colors, symbols and whimsy, Chagall depicted daily life, rituals, celebrations and passion, music and culture. Artists, like Chagall, can be forceful messengers, speaking a universal language that communicates across barriers of culture, time and space. 20% off Storewide Sale* WHAT WOULD PEOPLE BE SURPRISED TO KNOW ABOUT YOU? I'm active in Jewish Voice for Peace, a community of activists inspired by Jewish tradition to work togeth- er for peace, social justice and human rights. We support the aspirations of Israelis and Palestinians for security and self-determination, based equality, human rights and respect for international law. GRANITE $ transformations ' • beautiful and affordable maintenance-free granite that fits over your existing countertop. Cali for a Free in-home consultation or visit one of our showrooms: SCOTT COLBURN 20411 Farmington Rd. (South of 8 Mile) Livionia, MI 48152 (248) 476-1262 www.ScottColburnWestern.com 20% off in store stock. Special orders limited to boots P 1 8 • APRIL 2010 • IN platinum 248.427.0200 abinet Refac n C ~ 31205 Grand River Farmington Hills, MI 48336 NOW AVAILABLE 248.680.9100 2061 E. Maple Rd. Troy, Michigan 48083 www. • ranitetransformations.com