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MNCPPC, MD

Performances

Upcoming Events


	Fore•word A Monthly Series of Conversations and Readings by Authors Watch Live on Facebook Hosted and curated by the critically acclaimed writer Derrick Weston Brown (the inaugural Poet-In-Residence of Busboys & Poets), this hour-long series is a colorful mash-up that is a one-on-one, up-close-and-personal discussion of the writing life beyond the stage and page. Join us as nationally recognized and acclaimed authors, performers, and personalities from multiple creative writing genres share their work and thoughts on current issues. Schedule: Sunday, May 23, 2021, 4 - 5 pm A Conversation with Teri Ellen Cross Davis Watch Here Sunday, June 20, 2021, 4 - 5 pm A Conversation with Thulani Davis Sunday, July 25, 2021, 4 - 5 pm A Conversation with Jason Reynolds Sunday, August 22, 2021, 4 - 5 pm A Conversation with Candace Iloh
	Dallas Black Dance Theatre Saturday, June 19, 2021, 8 - 9 pm Watch Live on Facebook Join us for a show-stopping virtual performance by the Dallas Black Dance Theatre. For over 40 years the Dallas Black Dance Theatre has mesmerized audiences with spell-bounding performances that keep audiences coming back for more. Their repertory combines classical and contemporary modern works by Alvin Ailey, Elisa Monte, Milton Myers, Asadata Dafora, Dianne McIntyre, Matthew Rushing, Christopher L. Huggins, Ben Stephenson, Twyla Tharp, and others. The company is a diverse multiethnic troupe of well-trained, exciting, and skillful dancers. Master Classes Schedule: Wednesday, June 16, 2021, 6 - 7 pm (Cancelled) Contemporary Dance for Teens Thursday, June 17, 2021, 6 - 7 pm Liturgical Dance for Youth Wednesday, June 23, 2021, 6 - 7 pm Jazz Dance for Teens Thursday, June 24, 2021, 6 - 7 pm African Dance for Teens and Adults Click Here to Register
	Sy Smith: Black Music Heals Saturday, June 26, 2021, 8 - 9 pm Watch Live on Facebook Join us for Black Music Heals - a Celebration of a Cathartic Black Canon. With this presentation, Sy Smith sparks conversations about songs that affirm jubilation as another form of revolution. Sy Smith is a singer/songwriter/producer/actor originally from the Washington, DC area but now based in Los Angeles. In addition to her own 5-album catalog (including her critically-acclaimed “Sometimes A Rose Will Grow In Concrete” lp), her credits include touring with Chris Botti, The Foreign Exchange, Whitney Houston, and many more. She was featured in “Sophisticated Ladies: A Celebration of the Iconic Women Of Jazz” at Carnegie Hall, The Kennedy Center, Massey Hall, and other cities. This Emmy-nominated performer also regularly does workshops for music students (most recently for Toledo School for the Arts, Cal State Northridge, and USC), firmly continuing in her alma mater’s (Howard University) mission of excellence in truth and service.

Past Events
	Heritage Signature Chorale Sunday, February 21, 2021, 6 - 7 pm Watch Performance Experience the majestic sounds of the Heritage Signature Chorale as they take audiences on a musical journey. Founded in 2000 by Artistic Director Stanley J. Thurston, the Heritage Signature Chorale preserves the performance tradition of African American choral music, especially the Negro Spiritual. The ensemble elevates the African American singer and composer in all musical genres and brings a unique interpretation of classical music from America, Europe, and other regions of the world. Watch Artist Discussion Artists discuss the Heritage Signature Chorale and the history, culture, and impact professional black choirs have had on choral music through the twenty-first century.
	Clean Comedy with Ms. Gayle Thursday, April 8, 2021, 8 - 9 pm Watch Here This side-splitting comic pokes fun at her country upbringing in rural Virginia, television shows, and various hard knocks of life. A favorite with all audiences, Ms. Gayle will uplift your spirits and have you rolling in the aisles with her uproarious, but clean, commentary and down-home humor. For ages 18 and up.
	A Tribute to the Music of Earth, Wind & Fire Saturday, April 10, 2021, 8 - 9 pm Watch Here From the funk and “earthy” grooves to the sophisticated and complex lyrics and orchestrations, join us as we celebrate a memorable catalog of songs with the Earth, Wind & Fire Tribute Band.
	Food Sovereignty, Seeds and Stories: Theatre & Conversation Saturday, April 24, 2021, 5 - 6:30 pm Watch Here This virtual theatrical program features a reading of an excerpt from THE INVENTION OF SEEDS by Annalisa Dias (a Groundwater Arts co-founder) followed by a conversation among Black and Indigenous food justice workers who have relationships with the local Prince George's County community. The program will ignite the local community to take agency and action for their food sovereignty. Ground Water Arts Artists: Annalisa Dias, Anna Lathrop, Tara Moses Panelists: DeLesslin George-Warren, artist, researcher, and educator Xavier Brown, founder of Soilful City
	Uplift: Inspirational Dance Festival At Home Dance Challenge: What the World Needs Now Monday, May 3 – Saturday, May 8, 2021 Experience a daily dose of uplifting messages during the Uplift Dance Festival. Through an at-home dance challenge with the theme “What the World Needs Now”, local dancers encourage community healing through creative movement. Visit the Arts PG Parks Facebook page for a daily video and message and see the full program live on Saturday, May 8, 2021, 3 - 4 pm.
	Playback Theater: Turn Your Life Into A Play Saturday, May 15, 2021, 5 - 6:30 pm Come play with us! Enter the world of Playback Theater where your personal story is magically transformed into a work of art before your eyes. Watch as masterful actors take real-life stories and turn them into mini-plays in real-time. Don’t miss this exhilarating and moving medium of storytelling where life is imitated by art. No experience needed. Sign up today and bring a story to share.
	3030: A Futuristic Virtual Caribbean Play Thursday, May 20, 2021, 6 - 7 pm Written & Directed by Marjuan Canady Watch Here Join us for a virtual performance of the new short play, 3030 by Marjuan Canady. Set in the futuristic Caribbean, this Sci-Fi drama follows the story of a young Dougladian girl Vashti, who dreams of life outside of the confines of her island. Will she fight for revolution or stay true to the Carnival ritual? A talk back with the director, writer, and actors will follow this performance.
	The Blackbyrds Saturday, May 29, 2021, 8 - 9 pm Watch Here The Blackbyrds is a jazz-funk fusion group assembled by the legendary jazz artist Donald Byrd at Howard University. With hits like “Walking in Rhythm,” "Rock Creek Park," and "Happy Music," you won’t resist grooving to the music of this classic 1970s ensemble. Visit the Arts PG Parks Facebook page to watch the show.
	Generations: Negro Spirituals Sunday, June 6, 2021, 4 - 5 pm Watch Here Considered by many to be songs of enslaved Africans, a wide selection of Negro Spirituals is beautifully narrated by Dr. Ysaye Barnwell and performed by the CAAPA Chorale. Learn the history, understand the secrets and feel the passion of these rich songs while enjoying the moving music produced by the Coalition for African Americans in the Performing Arts (CAAPA).
	Raul Midón Thursday, June 10, 2021, 8 - 9 pm Virtual Performance and Conversation Watch Here Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter and guitarist Raul Midón has earned renown as one of music’s most distinctive and searching voices—“a one-man band…who is spiritually connected,” according to The New York Times, and “an eclectic adventurist,” in the words of People magazine. Midón combines his distinct voice, strumming, beats, and vocal mouth trumpet sounds to create a “one-man band” performance. As a protégé of the late Bill Withers, Midón’s unique style shows influence of virtually every musical genre which came before him, including jazz, blues, R&B, and folk. The program includes a post show Artist Talk with Raul Midón and Keanna Faircloth (wbgo jazz).
	Victor Provost Sunday, June 13, 2021, 4 - 5 pm Post Show Artist Talk Watch Here "Finding inspiration in lush harmonic and melodic explorations paired with primordial grooves, Victor Provost explores the intersections between American Jazz and various Afro-Caribbean genres. Born and raised in St. John, Virgin Islands, Provost is widely recognized as one of the world's leading voices on the Steelpan, a musical instrument developed on the island of Trinidad as part of a continuum of African drumming traditions. For this concert, Provost has also created a series of visualizations based on source material from fellow aerial videographer, and fellow St. Johnian, Daryl Wade. The program includes a post show Artist Talk with Victor Provost and Keanna Faircloth (wbgo jazz).