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Traditional Jamaican Music and Dance
February 3
Most of the world is familiar with Jamaican music through the work of legendary Bob Marley and other reggae stars. Jamaica’s tradition of great music spans more than 400 years, dating back to the arrival of West Africans in Jamaica. Jamaican Ensemble takes you to the interior of the island where most of the traditional dance, music and culture thrived and are still practiced today.
African Villages Folktales
February 4
In a jungle full of talking animals, the African Villages Folktales come to life. Hear the African-American stories of “The Lion and the Woman,” “The Tug of War,” and “The Frog Who Wanted to be a Singer.” The actors of Hot Silk Productions perform adaptations of these famous tales.
Images of Africa
February 7
It is said that one should visit East Africa to explore wildlife and ecology and to West Africa to see people and indigenous art forms. Kopano Performing Arts Company celebrates the indigenous cultures of West Africa with dancing, drumming and proverbs that educate us about traditional art forms, history and religion. Blended into this mix is information about posture, health, breathing and nutrition.
Nate the Great Magician
February 8
A professional magician/illusionist for nearly 25 years, Nate Porter, Jr. has performed his sleight of hand illusions for audiences across the United States. This past year alone, more than 500,000 people have seen him through TV, concerts and other venues.
If the Tales Could Tell
Storytelling by Iya Fatola O. Adesanya, Master Storyteller
February 9
With a premier series of wise and witty songs and tales, Iya Fatola brings new life to the ancient treasures of African mythology. Sharing the numerous adventures of tricksters, mermaids, talking animals and more, Iya Fatola takes us back to a time when elders were respected and children were greatly valued, all while learning the importance of truth, respect, humility and compassion.
Deeply Rooted Dance Ensemble
February 14
Deeply Rooted Dance Ensemble performs works from its existing repertoire as well as newly created works. These dances are based in the traditional contemporary dance idioms and themes speak to the human condition.
Nate the Great Magician
February 15
A professional magician/illusionist for nearly 25 years, Nate Porter, Jr. has performed his sleight of hand illusions for audiences across the United States. This past year alone, more than 500,000 people have seen him through TV, concerts, and other venues.
Monkeba: Griot of Senegal
February 16
Through storytelling and solo performances on the traditional stringed “kora,” we are introduced to the roles of the griot (poet, musician and historian) in ancient and modern society. Singers and dancers join percussionists playing a variety of indigenous instruments. As a finale, students are brought on stage to create music with the master musicians.
Music of Bob Marley
February 22
Bob Marley has been called "the first Third World superstar." He was one of the most charismatic performers of our time and his legacy lives on. RDII Reggae Band presents a retrospective program highlighting Marley's musical and historical contributions that encompassed every aspect in the rise of Jamaican music, from ska to contemporary reggae.
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.: An Educated Man
February 23 (Little Theater)
This dramatic performance by the Roots Theatre Ensemble presents music, songs, theater and excerpts from Dr. King’s inspiring speeches to bring to life the oppression of African Americans during the Civil Rights Movement in the late 1950s and ’60s. The performance begins during King’s childhood and continues on past his tragic death into the 21st century, spreading his message of peaceful protest and equality.
The Motown Sound
February 25 (Little Theater)
Motown combined rhythm and blues, gospel, swing and pop to form a unique new sound that took the world by storm! During this performance, Motown Alive gives information about the history of Motown and plays your Motown favorites.
The Harlem Renaissance Remembered
February 28 (Little Theater)
Grades 3 to 12
The Harlem Renaissance was largely a literary movement in the uptown Manhattan neighborhood of Harlem in the mid- and late-1920s. The community became the economic, political and cultural center of black America. Lush Life combines poetry, live jazz music and dance to celebrate artists from this significant period of American history: Ralph Ellison, Langston Hughes, Duke Ellington and Louis Armstrong.
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