Kravis Center Launches Series with New Jersey Performing Arts Center

In honor of Black History Month and beyond, the series will feature engaging music, stories, discussions, and more beginning February 19

In celebration of Black History Month and beyond, the Kravis Center in West Palm Beach will invite viewers to enjoy a series of engaging experiences including music, stories, discussions, and more created and presented by New Jersey Performing Arts Center (NJPAC). Visit kravis.org/njpac for a listing of all the NJPAC programming.

The series will kick off on February 19 at 9 a.m. with Books on the Move, featuring Firebird by Misty Copeland. NJPAC Teaching Artist Wincey Terry will read Copeland’s debut book about a young girl who is questioning her own ability to reach the heights that Copeland herself has reached. The ballerina encourages the girl’s faith in herself and shows her exactly how, through hard work and dedication, she too can become “Firebird.” The event will be available here for 48 hours.

Tune in for an hour of music and conversation in celebration of the “First Lady of Song,” Ella Fitzgerald, on Tuesday, February 23, at 7 p.m. via Zoom. Regina Carter, the artistic director of NJPAC’s Geri Allen Jazz Camp, and John Schreiber, president and CEO of NJPAC, will go beyond the familiar songs and stories for a new look at Fitzgerald’s everlasting impact. Carter will perform songs from her album Ella: Accentuate the Positive to explore the singer’s extensive repertoire. Reservations are required and can be made here.

NJPAC’s PSEG True Diversity Film Series will present a virtual screening of Boss: The Black Experience in Business on Friday, February 26, at 9 a.m. The film examines the history of Black business leadership and Black entrepreneurship and their impacts on the social justice movement. The screening will be available for 48 hours. Following the film, a panel of business owners, executives, and scholars will discuss the support networks available to Black-owned businesses, resilience in the workplace, the value of mentorship, and the importance of Black entrepreneurs. Chike Uzoka, founder and Chief Innovation Officer of the Newark-based Valentine Global will moderate the discussion.

NJPAC and Jazz Standard will present “Alto Madness: Charlie Parker Centennial Celebration” on Tuesday, March 2, at 7 p.m. Marking the 100 years after his birth, the jazz master’s legacy is as vital as ever. Grammy award-winning producer Seth Abramson will host the conversation with alto saxophone stars Charles McPherson and Donald Harrison. The trio will delve into all things Bird, from the creation of bebop to his influence on their own careers, and perform Parker’s classic compositions. Click here for tickets.

The series will conclude with a candid conversation with “Godfather of Funk” George Clinton on Friday, March 5, at 9 a.m. Rhythm and Blues Music Hall of Famer Nona Hendryx will sit down with Clinton for a provocative conversation about art, music, sex, hopes and dreams, life, and afterlife. They pair will delve into Afrofuturism and Afropastism–from Sun Ra to Donald Glover (a.k.a. Childish Gambino), The Invisible Man to Watchmen, Blaxploitation to Black Panther, and Sister Rosetta Tharpe to Oprah Winfrey. This event will be available here for 48 hours.

Facebook Comments