February is Black History Month and we’re excited to celebrate with 5 fantastic events + a month-long exhibit in our Up Front Gallery!
First Friday
FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 2, 5:00 – 8:00 PM
HARRINGTON GALLERY BUILDING
Join us on First Friday as we open our February Art Exhibits in the Harrington Gallery Building. The Ann White Gallery will feature Oil Paintings by Deliece Blanchard, and in the Up Front Gallery we’ll be celebrating Black History Month with works by Whitney West, CT Woods, and Benita Mayo.
Music for the event will be provided by special guest Zaxai. Born of Haitian decent, he credits his sound to his diverse, cultural up bringing. Captivating & intimate, are a few words to describe his voice & performances. It’s that which brought Zaxai to the Top 24 on season 15 of “NBC The Voice”.
Step Afrika!
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 7, 7:30 PM
HISTORIC ACADEMY THEATRE
THE SPACE RACE: DOCUMENTARY SCREENING AND PANEL DISCUSSION
FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 9, 7:30 PM
HISTORIC ACADEMY THEATRE
Celebrate Black History Month with us at a special pre-release screening of “The Space Race,” a powerful National Geographic documentary produced by astronaut Leland Melvin. The film intertwines the compelling stories of Black astronauts, including pioneers like Guion Bluford, Ed Dwight, and Charles Bolden, as they strive to overcome social injustice and reach for the stars.
Join us for an evening dedicated to honoring the achievements of African-American astronauts throughout history. Doors open at 6:30 pm with engaging prescreening activities such as letters to space, a photo booth, and more. The film starts at 7:30 pm, followed by an exclusive interview and Q&A session with Leland Melvin.
Admission is free, but tickets are required for this inspiring event. Don’t miss the opportunity to be part of this meaningful celebration of space exploration at the Academy.
Dianne Reeves
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 10, 7:30 PM
HISTORIC ACADEMY THEATRE
In recent years Reeves has toured the world in a variety of contexts including “Sing the Truth,” a musical celebration of Nina Simone which also featured Lizz Wright and Angelique Kidjo. She performed at the White House on multiple occasions including President Obama’s State Dinner for the President of China as well as the Governors’ Ball.
Reeves’ most recent release Beautiful Life, features Gregory Porter, Robert Glasper, Lalah Hathaway and Esperanza Spalding. Produced by Terri Lyne Carrington, Beautiful Life won the 2015 Grammy for Best Jazz Vocal Performance. Reeves is the recipient of honorary doctorates from Berklee College of Music and the Juilliard School. In 2018 the National Endowment for the Arts designated Reeves a Jazz Master — the highest honor the United States bestows on jazz artists.
THE LYNCHBURG ALPHAS PRESENT: MARDI GRAS BY THE JAMES
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 24, 7:00 PM
HISTORIC ACADEMY THEATRE
VIP Reception (available to VIP ticket holders only) features a food sampling (with food stations) of New Orleans Cuisine in the ACOA Historic theatre lobby, New Orleans Mardi Gras music and beverages (available for purchase) and close-up table magic from act featured in he show Dewayne Hill.
The show features the “World Renowned Brass Band” No BS! Brass Band. No BS! Brass Band is a powerful brass band that braces the spirit of New Orleans into its original East Coast modern funk. Their danceable arrangements are outstandingly well thought-out and organized, drawing inspiration from funk, jazz, klezmer, calypso, and Led Zeppelin.
Also performing will be Magician/Comedian Dewayne Hill. Dewayne was named Magician of the year in 2022 and Family Entertainer of the year for 2021 and 2022. Comedy Magician Dewayne Hill offers non-stop magic with audience participation.