Performances
Heritage Signature ChoraleSunday, February 21, 2021, 6 - 7 pm Experience the majestic sounds of the 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. Artists discuss the Heritage Signature Chorale and the history, culture, and the impact professional black choirs have had on choral music through the twenty-first century. | |
Clean Comedy with Ms. GayleThursday, April 8, 2021, 8 - 9 pm 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 and FireSaturday, April 10, 2021, 8 - 9 pm 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 & ConversationSaturday, April 24, 2021, 5 - 6:30 pm 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 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: | |
Uplift: Inspirational Dance FestivalAt 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 PlayThursday, May 20, 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. A link to access the interactive performance on the Microsoft Teams Platform will be shared following registration. | |
3030: A Virtual Carribean-Futuristic PlayThursday, May 20, 2021, 6 - 7 pm Written & Directed by Marjuan Canady 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. | |
Fore•wordA Monthly Series of Conversations and Readings by AuthorsSundays, May 23, June 27, July 25, August 22, 2021, 4 – 5 pm Upcoming Event: Sunday, May 23, 2021, 4 - 5 pm 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 part one-on-one, up-close-and personal discussion of the writing life beyond the stage and page with nationally recognized and acclaimed authors, performers and personalities from multiple creative writing genres who currently have their fingers on the issues and subject matter that folks are speaking upwardly and outwardly about. | |
The BlackbyrdsSaturday, May 29, 2021, 8 - 9 pm 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 SpiritualsSunday, June 6, 2021, 4 - 5 pm 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 Carter Legacy Singers. 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). | |
Victor ProvostSaturday, June 13, 2021, 8 - 9 pm Victor Provost’s performances transcend the expectations of instrument and genre. With appearances at major venues throughout the world (including Shanghai Concert Hall, Lincoln Center’s Rose Theater, the Umbria Jazz Festival, and the Kennedy Center) he has been meticulously solidifying his reputation as a master of the Steel Pan and crafting an improvisational voice and style to be reckoned with. Provost’s ability to extemporaneously weave through complex jazz harmony with accuracy and conviction, while being thoughtful and creative, often elicits the statement “I didn’t know a steel pan could do that”. He is one of a handful of pan players in the world who have incorporated the foundation of bebop into his playing, and arguably, the only one who has expounded on that vocabulary with a modern sensibility and style. | |
Davell CrawfordSaturday, June 20, 2021, 8 - 9 pm The genius of Davell Crawford arises from his ability to play and sing the music of his passion—the music of his life. The New Orleans keyboardist, vocalist, composer and arranger soaked up the surrounding rhythms and harmonies that were his deep musical roots and nurtured his natural talent. Acclaimed as the “Piano Prince of New Orleans,” Crawford brings equal exuberance to both modern and classic jazz, rhythm and blues, funk, blues, gospel, soul, pop, American folk and touches of country-western. Growing up in New Orleans and presently residing there and in New York City plus spending many youthful days in Southwest Louisiana, Crawford’s influences run the gamut from Fats Domino to Sarah Vaughan, to Patsy Cline and even Liberace. In the tradition of those from the Crescent City who came before him, Crawford also believes in the art of entertainment. He’ll get up from the piano, move to the apron of a stage, prance, joke and make folks feel at home. | |
Sy Smith, vocalistSaturday, June 26, 2021, 8 - 9 pm You've heard her with Grammy-winning trumpeter Chris Botti (Live in Boston & PBS Great Performances). You've heard her on the viral video hit "Let's Stay Together" with the legendary percussionist Pete Escovedo. You've heard her poignant self-produced single "Sometimes A Rose Will Grow In Concrete" on Stevie Wonder’s Radio Free KJLH in Los Angeles. You may have even seen her early in her career backing artists like Whitney Houston, Brandy, Macy Gray, or later with The Foreign Exchange or Sheila E. But if you've never seen Sy Smith's solo performances, you are in for a treat! Visit the Arts PG Parks Facebook page to watch the show. |