Experience African-American arts, history and heritage for free with the return of ASC’s Connect with Culture Day on Saturday, Jan. 28. Along with free admission to the Harvey B. Gantt Center for African-American Arts + Culture at Levine Center for the Arts, you can enjoy family-friendly events close to home.
Take a trip to “The Great White Way” with an hour-long performance of “Black on Broadway,” presented by Theatre Charlotte and Donna Scott Productions. This free “Grand Nights For Singing” performance will include songs from such Broadway productions as Showboat, Porgy and Bess, Shuffle Along, Ain’t Misbehavin’, Sister Act, Aida, Purlie, The Color Purple, Hairspray, Shenandoah, Rent and The Tap Dance Kid.
There’s a “rich African-American tradition on Broadway” but much of that material isn’t often produced, said Ron Law, executive director of Theatre Charlotte. “Black on Broadway” provides African-American performers in Charlotte an opportunity to showcase their talents on stage and give audiences a greater appreciation of the rich heritage of African-Americans on Broadway.
Don’t miss this concert-style presentation of show-stopping tunes such as “Ain’t Nobody’s Business” and the classic “Summertime” — 2 p.m.-3 p.m. at The Charlotte Arts League in South End. Plan to arrive early, as space may be limited and ASC cannot guarantee availability/seating.
More free experiences around Mecklenburg County:
• African Dance class by Charlotte Ballet: Embrace the beauty of West African Dance, the rhythms, and the music. No previous experience needed. 10:30 a.m.–11:30 a.m. First Baptist Church-West/Family Life Center
• JAZZ IS… by Jazz Arts Initiative: A rare peek into the world of jazz performance and improvisation from a professional ensemble’s perspective. 11:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m. Beatties Ford Road Regional Library
• Diggin’ History Through Music and Dance by A Sign of the Times: A historical exploration into the contributions and struggles of Africans and African Americans, as presented through spoken word, music and dance. 12:00 p.m.–1:00 p.m. Martin Luther King, Jr. Middle School
• The Children of Children Keep Coming by OnQ productions: A riveting chronicle of the African American experience strung seamlessly together — by poetry and prose, blues and gospel, hymns and jazz, work songs and prayers. 3:30 p.m.–4:30 p.m. First Baptist Church-West/Family Life Center
• African Drum Circle by Drums4Life: Experience the spontaneous creation of music on a variety of drums and percussion instruments. 3:45 p.m.–4:45 p.m. Charlotte Museum of History
• Free general admission to the Harvey B. Gantt Center for African-American Arts + Culture at Levine Center for the Arts from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. There are several talks and guided tours with artists throughout the day.
View the FULL SCHEDULE of events. Some experiences require pre-registration.
[RELATED STORY: Arts, Science, History: Experience culture for free — and close to home]
