News
Email
Print
'Reunion of Spirit': Opening of National Black Theatre Festival celebrated as party, pageant, homecoming
Journal Photo by Lauren Carroll
Dancers, drummers and a mysterious figure on stilts lead the celebrity procession at the 2009 National Black Theatre Festival Opening Night Gala.
ADVERTISEMENT
Published: August 4, 2009
The purple carpet was laid out, purple balloons blown up and the Carver High School marching band could be heard throughout downtown Winston-Salem.
Yesterday at 5:30 p.m., stretch limos started to pull up to the curb in front of the Benton Convention Center and the National Black Theatre Festival officially started its 20th anniversary gala.
After an hour-long reception, a grand procession of 50 celebrities of television, film and stage were led into the banquet hall by Otesha Creative Arts Ensemble, under the direction of Hashim Saleh. A crowd of about 800 guests stood to watch the drummers, dancers and one giant hooded figure on stilts make their dramatic entrance.
Leading the parade of celebrities was Sylvia Sprinkle-Hamlin, the widow of the festival's founder, Larry Leon Hamlin. He died in 2007. She was escorted by his son, Larente L. Hamlin.
W.T. Jenkins, the president and chairman of the board of the North Carolina Black Repertory Company, welcomed the crowd and introduced "three strong-willed, talented women," Sprinkle-Hamlin, Gerry Patton, the executive director, and Mabel Robinson, the artistic director.
"This festival has truly developed into an international celebration and a reunion of spirit," Jenkins said. He called Winston-Salem, where it has been held since 1989, "black-theatre holy ground."
Jenkins introduced two "key people in Winston-Salem who are committed deeply," to the festival, Mayor Allen Joines and Vivian Burke, the mayor pro tem.
"This feels like coming home to some of you because you've been here so many times," Joines said, "but if it's your first time, take home some of our hospitality."
Joines called Hamlin a visionary.
"But he didn't just have an idea, he did it, himself," Joines said.
That idea has brought about 500,000 people to the city to participate in the festival since it was founded, Joines said.
"It shows the world that we are a city of diversity and inclusivity and that we are a city of the arts," he said.
When Burke followed Joines to the stage, she said, "It feels like Larry is floating around." She talked about how much the festival and Larry Leon Hamlin had helped the city. "He's our stimulus."
Part of why the festival is such a success is the contributions of sponsors, Nigel Alston, the chairman of the festival's fundraising committee, said.
"We really had our work cut out for us this year," he said before he acknowledged those who gave. They received a loud and long round of applause.
Mabel Robinson and Gerry Patton shared the responsibility of recognizing Hamlin's dreams, visions and passion and the part his family played in furthering them.
"He had an appetite for the stage that was introduced by his mother and supported by his family," Robinson said in introducing the Hamlin family.
Sprinkle-Hamlin was described by Patton as the woman Hamlin "entrusted with the vision" and the "love of his life."
One of the evening's highlights was the brief appearance by Dr. Maya Angelou. After her standing ovation, she told the story of Hamlin coming to her for help to start the festival in 1989.
"Had I not had some incredible dreams, myself, I would have laughed at him," Angelou said as she talked about the beginning days and the work it took to attract the stars and the crowds the festival now draws. Two of those stars who keep coming back year after year, Ted Lange and Wendy Raquel Robinson, served as co-chairmen of last night's gala.
One of the biggest stars last night may not have ever seen the lights of Hollywood, but she has a natural flair for pleasing a crowd.
Annie Hamlin Johnson, Hamlin's mother, told the audience, "You all didn't know Larry like I did," and then went on to share stories about the Larry she knew.
She started teaching him to act when he was three years old, she said, "and from that time on, it was in his blood."
Several awards were also presented throughout the evening.
The first annual Larry Leon Hamlin and Sylvia Sprinkle-Hamlin/Winston-Salem Urban League Endowed Scholarship at the UNC School of the Arts was presented to Shanomie Blackwood.
Other presentations included the Sidney Poitier Lifelong Achievement Award to Woodie King, Jr.; the Larry Leon Hamlin Producer Award to Vy Higginsen; the August Wilson Playwright Award to Celeste Bedford Walker; the Lloyd Richards Director Award to Ed Smith; the Living Legend Award to André De Shields, Fatima Dike, Paul Carter Harrison, Joan Lewis, Robert Macbeth, Barbara Montgomery, Juanita Moore, Melba Moore and Clarance (C. Lee) Turner; the Outstanding Achievement In Film to Julie Dash; the Outstanding Achievement In Costume Design to Reggie Ray; the Outstanding Achievement In Lighting Design to Shirley Prendergast; the Outstanding Achievement In Scenic Design to Felix Cochren; the Theatre Longevity Award to Berkeley Black Repertory Group; the Special Recognition Award to LaChanze and the Marvtastic Philanthropy Award to Hanesbrands Inc.
A schedule of events
The National Black Theatre Festival will run through Saturday at venues throughout Winston-Salem.
In addition to 41 plays, there will be workshops, a film festival, readers' theater, the International Colloquium and the Youth Celebrity Project, some of which are free. Cultural garments and artwork will be for sale at the International Vendors' Market in the Benton Convention Center.
For tickets, $17-$42, call 723-2266, go by the Benton Convention Center, 301 W. Fifth St., the festival box office, 610 Coliseum Drive, or buy them at the venues before each performance. Admission to the Celebrity Receptions is by tickets stubs from the evening's performance. For more information, visit www.nbtf.org.
Today, Aug. 4
1 and 3 p.m. Before the People Came: Amun RA Theatre (Nashville, Tenn.). African animals rule the world, but during a deadly drought the only salvation is a pear tree guarded by a fierce, rare tiger. Written by jeff obafemi carr. Benton Convention Center, lower level. $10.
3 and 8 p.m.
The Heiress: New African Grove Theatre, California State University Dominguez Hills (Carson, Calif.). Set in the 1890s, a young woman risks her inheritance by clinging to a charming fortune hunter to escape her sterile life. Written by Ruth and Augustus Goetz. RJR Black Box. $25.
Black Angels Over Tuskegee: The Black Gents of Hollywood (Los Angeles). Six men explore patriotism and dreams of a fair society as they become the first black fighter pilots in the U.S. Army Air Corps. Written by Layon Gray. Hanes Auditorium, Salem College. $37.
8 p.m.
Don't Bother Me, I Can't Cope: N.C. Black Repertory Company (Winston-Salem). A musical weaves through segments of black American experience. Spoken word, jazz, blues and gospel infused with humor and cultural wisdom. Written by Micki Grant. Stevens Center. $42.
Reunion in Bartersville: Cambridge Players (Los Angeles). A comedy/mystery. Written by Celeste Bedford Walker. K.R. Williams Auditorium, Winston-Salem State University. $40.
The Obituary: The Black Academy of Arts & Letters (Dallas).Comedy explores the unique aspects of black American funerals. Written and performed by Akin Babatunde. A double bill with Aunt Rudelle's Family Reunion: Westcoast Black Troupe (Sarasota, Fla.). In this one-person show, Aunt Rudele is quick to dish out unsolicited, blunt advice with a side of down-home wisdom. Written and performed by Nathan Jacobs. Dillard Auditorium, Anderson Center, Winston-Salem State University. $37.
Single Black Female: Black Spectrum Theatre Company (Queens, N.Y.). Two highly educated, professional women pull you into their hip, smart and hilarious worlds. Written by Lisa B. Thompson. Scales Fine Arts Center, Wake Forest University. $37.
Nora Cole's Voices of the Spirits in My Soul: RACCA's Seaport Salon (New York). Women, great and small, foreign and family, come to life. Created and performed by Nora Cole. A double bill with Dar He: The Lynching of Emmett Till: Mike Wiley Productions (Apex, N.C.). In 1955, white men murdered 14-year-old Emmett Till. The incident and following judicial cover-up added fuel to the U.S. civil rights movement. Written and performed by Mike Wiley. Larry Leon Hamlin Solo Performance Series. Scales Fine Arts Center, Wake Forest University. $37.
Revenge of a King: Black Theatre Troupe (Phoenix). A hip-hop musical based on Shakespeare's Hamlet. With original music, freestyle rhymes, dance and a live DJ. Written by Herb Newsome. The Thrust, UNC School of the Arts. $37.
Sweet Mama Stringbean: New Federal Theatre (New York). Aging and severely overweight, Ethel Waters is on the brink of fading into oblivion. Then a Billy Graham Crusade awakens her spiritual dreams. Written by Beth Turner. Catawba Theatre, UNC School of the Arts. $37.
Through the Night: Daniel Beaty Productions, Inc. (New York). Six interconnected black men ages 10-60 aspire, dream, conform, deny and eventually discover self-love. Written and performed by Daniel Beaty. Salem Fine Arts Center, Salem College. $37.
The Return: Artscape (Cape Town, South Africa). After years of exile in the U.S., Buntu returns to Cape Town, South Africa, with his black American wife. Written by Fatima Dike. The Arts Council Theatre. $37.
Jim Beckwourth: The Black Mountain Man: Noroza Productions (Los Angeles). In the 1800s, this emancipated slave explored, chartered and helped to settle frontier areas from Southern California to Northern Mexico. Performed by Michael Broughton. Written by Mark Weston. A double bill with A Rose Among Thorns: A Tribute to Rosa Parks: Ms. Thing Productions (Los Angeles). Explores the internal conflicts of a woman suddenly thrust into history. Created and performed by Ella Joyce. Celebrity Performance. Larry Leon Hamlin Solo Performance Series. Reynolda House Museum of American Art. $37.
Extremities: Amador Productions (Los Angeles). A young woman turns the table on a would-be rapist in her home. Written by William Mastrosimone. Celebrity Performance. Hopkins Theatre, Summit School. $40.
Potpourri Noir: Cultural Odyssey (San Francisco). A collection of excerpts from four productions which will be performed in their entirety this week. Each examines mature issues in direct, hard-hitting performances. Series coordinated by Rhodessa Jones and Idris Ackamoor. Salem Fine Arts Center, Salem College. $37.
10:30 p.m. Celebrity Reception. Marriott Hotel.
Wednesday, Aug. 5
1 and 3 p.m. Before the People Came: See Tuesday. Benton Convention Center, lower level. $10.
3 and 8 p.m.
The Heiress: See Tuesday. NBTF Fringe. RJR Black Box $25.
Black Angels Over Tuskegee: See Tuesday. Salem Fine Arts Center, Salem College. $37.
Reunion in Bartersville: See Tuesday. Williams Auditorium, Winston-Salem State University. $40.
The Obituary: A double bill with Aunt Rudele's Family Reunion: See Tuesday. Anderson Center, Winston-Salem State University. $37.
Single Black Female: See Tuesday. The MainStage Theatre, Wake Forest. $37.
Nora Cole's Voices of The Spirits in My Soul: A double bill with Dar He: The Lynching of Emmett Till: See Tuesday. The Ring Theatre, Wake Forest. $37.
Revenge of a King: See Tuesday. The Thrust, UNC School of the Arts. $37.
Sweet Mama Stringbean: See Tuesday. The Catawba, UNC School of the Arts. $37.
Through the Night: See Tuesday. Shirley Recital Hall, Salem College. $37.
The Return: See Tuesday. Arts Council Theatre. $37.
Jim Beckwourth: The Black Mountain Man: Noroza Productions (Los Angeles). A double bill with A Rose Among Thorns: A Tribute to Rosa Parks: Ms. Thing Productions (Los Angeles). See Tuesday. Celebrity Performance. Reynolda House Museum of American Art). $37.
Extremities: See Tuesday. Loma Hopkins Theatre, Summit School. $40.
8:00 p.m.
Don't Bother Me, I Can't Cope: See Tuesday. Stevens Center. $42.
The Unsung Diva: Cultural Odyssey (San Francisco). Meet America's first Black opera diva. Sissieretta Jones dazzled international audiences with her powerful, rich voice. This soprano toured the world, performed for dignitaries and rose to fame despite post-Civil War hostility. Performed by Angela Dean Baham. A double bill with Music for One Hand Clapping, written and performed by Idris Ackamoor, which combines theater, tap and jazz illuminating triumph over physical challenges. He portrays himself and the struggles of similar artists who are now enjoying international recognition. The Drama Workshop Theatre, Salem College. $37.
10:30 p.m. Celebrity Reception. Marriott Hotel.
Thursday, Aug. 6
10 a.m. and 3 p.m.
Storytelling Festival: Storytellers from across North Carolina weave tales of cultural history, fiction, humor and life lessons through this age-old tradition. Appropriate for all ages. Presented by NC Association of Black Storytellers. Lower level, Benton Convention Center. $7.
Noon
National Youth Talent Showcase: The next generation of black entertainers take to the stage. Coordinated by Sharon Frazier. Lower level, Benton Convention Center. $10.
3 and 8 p.m.
Mad at Miles: A Black Woman's Guide to Truth: N.C. A&T State University (Greensboro). Three women evolve from abusive relationships into a life shaped by strength, peace and their own voice. Written by Pearl Cleage. NBTF Fringe. RJR Black Box. $25.
8 p.m.
Don't Bother Me, I Can't Cope: See Tuesday. Stevens Center. $42.
The Return: See Tuesday. Arts Council Theatre. $37.
Single Black Female: See Tuesday. The MainStage Theatre, Wake Forest. $37.
I Am Who I Am: The Teddy Pendergrass Story: Black Ensemble Theatre (Chicago). This musical traces Teddy Pendergrass' riveting rise to stardom. Written by Jackie Taylor. K.R. Williams Auditorium, Winston-Salem State University. $42.
Womyn With Wings: Flow Theater (Columbus, Ohio). Three women portray dynamic stories of women bucking chauvinistic stereotypes, disagreeing on social issues and turning bitterness into betterness. Written by James Chapman. A double bill with Black Man Rising: Obsidian Media Group (New York) Celebrating the strength, wisdom and fortitude of black manhood. Written by James Chapman. Dillard Auditorium, Anderson Center, Winston-Salem State University. $37.
Bananas: Do It Yourself Productions (Los Angeles). A one-woman theatre cabaret on the colorful and outspoken life of Josephine Baker. Accompanied by pianist Aeros Pierce. Written and performed by Sloan Robinson. A double bill with Speak of Me As I Am: Music Sketches (Los Angeles) Paul Robeson comes alive during this musical, explaining the reasons for his life and the high price he paid. Written and performed by KB Solomon. Larry Leon Hamlin Solo Performance Series. Ring Theatre, Wake Forest. $37.
In The Continuum: St Louis Black Repertory Company (St. Louis, MO) A black American teen girl and a Zimbabwe newsreader are worlds apart but united by the diagnosis of HIV. Written by Nikkole Salter and Danai Gurira. The Thrust, UNC School of the Arts. $37.
Ascension: Robinson Williams Productions (Yonkers, N.Y.). Ruth and Jacob are deeply in love. But their dreams are soiled by a rape, a secret, a birth, and a murder. Written by Cynthia G. Robinson. Catawba Theatre, UNC School of the Arts. $37.
Nappy Journeys: Hurrey-Up Stage & Filmworks (Pensacola, Fla.). From sculptured designs to intricate waves, ‘black hair' has always been fertile ground for cultural commentary and socio-political identity. Written and performed by Ayinde Hurrey. Shirley Recital Hall, Salem College. $37
It Ain't Nothin' But The Blues: Crossroads Theatre Co. (New Brunswick, N.J.). From the Delta to Chicago -- this rousing musical traces the roots of the Blues. Originally conceived by Ron Taylor. Reynolds Memorial Auditorium). $42.
Who Will Sing for Lena? Lions & Butterflies Artswork (Tulsa, Okla.). On March 5, 1945, Lena Baker made history as the first and only woman to die by electrocution in Georgia's electric chair. Written by Janice Lee Liddell, Ph.D. A double bill with Zora: 3 Girls on a Wall Productions (New York) Zora Neale Hurston was one of the most celebrated figures to emerge from the Harlem Renaissance. Written by Laurence Holder. Performed by Kim Brockington. Larry Leon Hamlin Solo Performance Series. Celebrity Performance. Reynolda House Museum of American Art. $40.
A Handsome Woman Retreats: Li'l Magic Productions (Los Angeles). Unhappy and plagued by panic attacks, Kim attends a 10-day silent meditation retreat to find peace. Written and performed by Kim Wayans. Celebrity Performance. Loma Hopkins Theatre, Summit School. $40
Wisteria & HOPE: The Poetry of Experience: A multimedia performance featuring the poetry of Kwame Dawes, original music by Kevin Simmonds and a musical ensemble. Wisteria tells the story of life under Jim Crow segregation, as recalled by African-American women of Sumter, S.C. HOPE: Living and Loving With HIV in Jamaica presents the human face of an epidemic. Stories of despair and loss turned into resilience, hope, and grace. Written and performed by Kwame Dawes with orchestra. Hanes Auditorium, Salem College. $25.
The Unsung Diva: A double bill with Music for One Hand Clapping: See Wednesday. The Drama Workshop Theatre, Salem College. $37.
10:30 p.m. Celebrity Reception. Marriott Hotel.
Friday, Aug. 7
11 a.m.
National Youth Talent Showcase. See Thursday. Lower level, Benton Convention Center. $10.
3 p.m.
Who Will Sing for Lena? A double bill with Zora: See Thursday. Reynolda House Museum of American Art. $40.
3 and 8 p.m.
It Ain't Nothin' But The Blues: See Thursday. Reynolds Memorial Auditorium). $42.
A Handsome Woman Retreats: See Thursday. Loma Hopkins Theatre, Summit School. $40
The High Priestess of Dark Alley: Billie Holiday Theatre (Brooklyn, N.Y.). Two sisters, one robbed of her sexuality, the other defined by it, do battle with their domineering mother over the men they love. Written by Jackie Alexander. MainStage Theatre, Wake Forest. $37.
The Sty of the Blind Pig: The Ensemble Theatre (Houston, Texas). Fear, pride, social barriers and unjust laws box us in black and white. But armed with courage and a determined spirit, we can step out and embrace a colorful world. Written by Phillip Hayes Dean. Arts Council Theatre. $37.
Black Voices: The Hidden Bruises: Clark Atlanta University (Atlanta). Rhythmically choreographed vignettes celebrate African-American youth enduring social conflicts, absent fathers, sexuality, teen pregnancy, homelessness. Music, nursery rhymes and dance bring to life their resilience. Written by Willie L. Todd Jr. NBTF Fringe. North Hall, Benton Convention Center. $25.
8 p.m.
Halley's Comet: The Halley's Comet Foundation (Califon, N.J.). An 87-year-old man chronicles his life through world wars, youthful missteps, nuclear bombs and fast food by way of Halley's Comet. Written and performed by John Amos. Celebrity Performance. Stevens Center. $42.
I Am Who I Am: The Teddy Pendergrass Story: See Thursday. K.R. Williams Auditorium, Winston-Salem State University. $42.
Womyn With Wings: Flow Theater (Columbus, Ohio). A double bill with Black Man Rising: Obsidian Media Group (New York) See Thursday. Dillard Auditorium, Anderson Center, Winston-Salem State University. $37.
Bananas: A double bill with Speak Of Me As I Am: See Thursday. Ring Theatre, Wake Forest. $37.
In The Continuum: See Thursday. The Thrust, UNC School of the Arts. $37.
Ascension: See Thursday. Catawba Theatre, UNC School of the Arts. $37.
Nappy Journeys: See Thursday. Shirley Recital Hall, Salem College. $37
The Resurrection Of Alice: Perri Tales Productions (New York). 15-year-old Alice must marry a grandfatherly man. A lifetime later, she discovers her voice, love and a new birth. Written and performed by Perri Gaffney. A double bill with The Sheneequa Chronicles: The Making of A Black Woman: Blackberry Productions (New York). A poor, African-American girl faces self-image conflicts, sexuality and the demoralized landscape of her small world. But dreams of ancient Africa ignite her revolutionary spirit -- breaking the stereotypes of black women. Written and performed by Stephanie Berry. RJR Black Box. $37.
Wisteria and HOPE: The Poetry of Experience: See Thursday. Hanes Auditorium, Salem College. $25.
The Breach: Cultural Odyssey (San Francisco). Reparation -- the debate continues. Internationally renowned aerialist Joanna Haigood joins Idris Ackamoor and Rhodessa Jones in this innovative performance investigating the pros and cons. The Drama Workshop Theatre, Salem College. $37.
10:30 p.m. Celebrity Reception. Marriott Hotel.
Saturday, Aug. 8
3 and 8 p.m.
I Am Who I Am: The Teddy Pendergrass Story: Black Ensemble Theatre (Chicago). See Thursday. K.R. Williams Auditorium, Winston-Salem State University. $42.
It Ain't Nothin' But The Blues: Crossroads Theatre Company (New Brunswick, N.J.). See Thursday. Reynolds Memorial Auditorium. $42
Womyn With Wings: Flow Theater (Columbus, Ohio). A double bill with Black Man Rising: Obsidian Media Group (New York) See Thursday. Dillard Auditorium, Anderson Center, Winston-Salem State University. $37.
Bananas: Do It Yourself Productions (Los Angeles). A double bill with Speak Of Me As I Am: Music Sketches (Los Angeles) See Thursday. Ring Theatre, Wake Forest. $37.
In The Continuum: See Thursday. The Thrust, UNC School of the Arts. $37.
Ascension: See Thursday. The Catawba, UNC School of the Arts. $37.
Nappy Journeys: See Thursday. Shirley Recital Hall, Salem College. $37
Who Will Sing for Lena? A double bill with Zora: See Thursday. Reynolda House Museum of American Art. $40.
Halley's Comet: See Friday. Stevens Center. $42.
The High Priestess of Dark Alley: See. Friday. MainStage Theatre, Wake Forest. $37.
The Sty of The Blind Pig: See Friday. Arts Council Theatre. $37.
The Resurrection Of Alice: A double bill with The Sheneequa Chronicles: The Making of A Black Woman: See Friday. RJR Black Box. $37.
Lady Day at Emerson's Bar & Grill: Tennessee State University (Nashville, Tenn.). Join Billie "Lady Day" Holiday during one of her last gigs in a small nightclub on the South side of Philly. Written by Lanie Robertson. NBTF Fringe. Hanes Auditorium, Salem College. $25.
8 p.m.
The Love Project: Cultural Odyssey (San Francisco). A multi-disciplinary, interactive performance that's part house-party, part TV talk show and part cabaret. Written in collaboration with Pearl Cleage and Zaron Burnett Jr. The Drama Workshop Theatre, Salem College. $37.
Midnight
Miles Long and Friends Experience: Featuring Malcolm-Jamal Warner, a prolific spoken-word artist and talented bass player. Joined by a dynamic ensemble, they interweave jazz, funk and spoken word on a titillating musical journey. Special performance by Nicole Mitchell. North Hall, Benton Convention Center. $25.
Also playing ...
Following are other events that may be of interest to National Black Theatre Festival-goers.
Tuesday-Friday, 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. International Colloquium, "The Voice of Women in Black Theatre," coordinated by Sope Oyelaran. Maya Angelou will deliver the keynote speech on Tuesday. Embassy Suites: Tuesday in the Pavilion room; Wednesday-Friday in the Ardmore room. Free.
Tuesday-Friday, Midnight. Helena D. Lewis (Call Me Crazy) and others such as Chester Gregory, of The Jackie Wilson Story fame, will host poetry performances at the Benton Convention Center. Poets can sign up to be selected at random to perform their work. $3.
Tuesday-Saturday, NBTF Film Fest. Various titles, times and locations. For information, visit www.nbtf.net. Free.
Tuesday-Saturday, The Readers' Theatre, coordinated by Garland Lee Thompson. 11:30 a.m. for New Plays at High Noon and 11:30 p.m. for Theatre Conversations at Midnight (limited seating). Free.
Wednesday, 10:30 a.m. A video Papa C.W. Brown and the Black Moravians, starring the late NBTF founder and director Larry Leon Hamlin, followed by a lecture by Michael (architect) and Martha Hartley (researcher).911 S. Church St. Free.
Wednesday and Thursday, 5 p.m. Call Me Crazy: Diary of a Mad Social Worker, Club 411, 411 N. Cherry St. Written and performed by Helena D. Lewis, directed by Leslie "ButtaFlySoul" Taylor. Assigned more work than she can handle, a social worker has a nervous breakdown. Free.
Wednesday and Saturday, 10 a.m. Peace Process, a film by Katina Parker about a literary approach to gang violence, at the Forsyth County Library, 660 W. Fifth St. Free.
Thursday, 5:30-7:30 p.m. A benefit for Authoring Action, a program by and about young people, The Millennium Center, 101 W. Fifth St. With Live music, Southern food, and a wine and beer tasting; followed by It Ain't Nothing But the Blues at 8 p.m. at Reynolds Auditorium, 301 N. Hawthorne Road. Tickets are $75 for the benefit and show; $50 for the benefit alone. Call 831-1905.
Friday, 7-10 p.m. The Downtown Arts District will hold its monthly Gallery Hop on Trade and Liberty streets between Fifth and Seventh streets. Galleries, shops, restaurants and bars will be open for business. Entertainers will roam the streets. For more information, visit www.dadaws.org. Free.
Friday, 9 p.m. Melva Houston will perform "The High Priestess: in the likeness of Nina Simone" at The Werehouse, 211 E. Third St. $
Friday and Saturday, 10 p.m.-1 a.m. Dining at the Delta Arts Center, 2611 New Walkertown Road. Late-night jazz dinners include "sophisticated soul food," cash bar, transportation and music by singer Chris Murrell. Call 722-2625 or e-mail delta2611@bellsouth.net. $25.
Email
Print
