Rhythm of Freedom: A Juneteenth Celebration
Academy Member Presale begins Monday, April 7, 2025. Remaining tickets will be released to the public on Friday, April 11, 2025. All sales begin at 10 AM EST.
Audiences will be taken on a journey from the ancestral roots of African dance and drumming to contemporary expressions of freedom through spoken word, modern, and West African dance. Featured performers include the Kuumba Dance Ensemble, World of Dance Performing Arts Co, and choreography by Artist Laureate Keith Lee of the Keith Lee Dances Additional appearances include collaborative percussionists and spoken word artists Auntorio Rucker and WORDSMITH V1SIONS.
The evening will unfold in two acts:
- Act I: Roots – West African Traditions explores cultural foundations through drumming, dance, and storytelling.
- Act II: Echoes and Evolution – Dance of the Diaspora highlights how those traditions have transformed across generations and artistic disciplines.
The event concludes with a powerful finale featuring all artists in a collaborative performance, inviting audience participation to honor the spirit of unity and liberation.
Ticket Access
Everyone deserves access to the arts! Our programs offer discounted tickets and class enrollment for those who qualify, including:
- Group Sales
- Senior Discount
- Educator & Military Discount
- Passport Program (WIC Participant)
For details on eligibility and how to apply these discounts, please click here or contact our Box Office:
Phone: (434) 846-8499
Email: boxoffice@academycenter.org
Visit: 519 Commerce St, Lynchburg, VA 24504
Hours: Mon–Fri, 12–5 PM & 1 hour before event
Related Links
On Sale Days/Times:
Academy Member Presale begins Monday, April 7, 2025. Remaining tickets will be released to the public on Friday, April 11, 2025. All sales begin at 10 AM EST.
Academy Members Level 5+ Pre-Sale: Monday, April 7, 2025
Academy Members Level 4+ Pre-Sale: Tuesday, April 8, 2025
Academy Members Level 3+ Pre-Sale: Wednesday, April 9, 2025
Academy Members Level 1+ Pre-Sale: Thursday, April 10, 2025
General Public On-Sale: Friday, April 11, 2025
Tickets:
General Admission: $10*
*Plus taxes and fees
For more information or to purchase tickets to this performance, contact our Bank of the James Ticketing Office at (434) 846-8499.
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Know before you go:
Accessibility
Age Requirement
All patrons, regardless of age, must have a ticket for this event unless otherwise stated. All ages are welcome.
Camera Policy
Videography and audio recording during the performances are prohibited. Photography of the set on stage is allowed pre-show, post-show, and during intermission. But we do ask that you show our designers and visiting performers some love by crediting them (and by tagging us) in your social media posts.
Content Advisory
The Academy Center of the Arts offers a diverse selection of entertainment. Not all productions may appeal to or be appropriate for every guest or for all ages. Ticket buyers should take responsibility for making informed decisions regarding their purchases. We recommend visiting the official show website of each show you are coming to see at the Academy. If you ever have questions about the content or appropriateness of a show, please contact us at boxoffice@academycenter.org.
Doors Open
Unless otherwise noted, our lobby doors open 60 minutes prior to show time and house doors open 30 minutes prior to show time for seating.
Parking & Directions
Parking is available on-site and throughout downtown Lynchburg. Our parking map (linked below) shows all of the free public and paid parking available. In addition, street parking is also available on most streets.
Ticketing Policies
Ticketing purchases are non-refundable. By purchasing a ticket to an event at The Academy Center of the Arts, you are agreeing to our ticketing policy. View our full ticketing policy.
Volunteer
Want to volunteer and see this show for free? Contact Kyle Greaney, kgreaney@academycenter.org, for more information.