January 8, 2008

Black Cultural Center announces spring 2008 Cultural Arts Series

E. Patrick Johnson
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The series is designed to increase awareness, understanding and appreciation of African-Americans and their culture.

"We are excited about the many fine programs we have planned for the spring semester," said BCC director Renee Thomas. "The diverse events feature something for everyone. We hope the community participates and finds the series enlightening."

All events are free and open to the public unless otherwise noted. Upcoming events include:

* Jan. 31- A blues concert by Eric Bibb and Ronnie Baker Brooks will be at 7:30 p.m. at Loeb Playhouse in Stewart Center. Bibb grew up rubbing elbows with Odetta, Richie Havens, Pete Seeger and Bob Dylan. He has released several blues albums, performed in concerts around the world and appeared on several TV and radio shows. Brooks is a Chicago guitar mainstay who enlivens blues-rock with deep soul, modern hip-hop vocals and funk rhythms. For ticket information, call (765) 494-9712.

* Feb. 6 - The BCC and American Studies Department will present a new series titled "Difficult Dialogues" that focuses on race. Graduate students and faculty will present their research in an effort to build a bridge between the university and surrounding community. The series will occur at 2 p.m. the first Wednesday of each month at the BCC.

* Feb. 9 - The Designed Grace Choir of the University of Southern Indiana will perform a variety of music, including spirituals, hymns and contemporary gospel at 5 p.m. in Stewart Center's Fowler Hall. The program is part of a cultural exchange with the Purdue Black Voices of Inspiration Choir.

* Feb. 18 - A one-man show based on oral histories from black gay men will be presented at 7 p.m. at Fowler Hall in Stewart Center. "Pouring Tea: Black Gay Men of the South Tell Their Tales" features E. Patrick Johnson. Coming of age in the South, religion, sex, transgenderism and coming out are among the topics covered.

* Feb. 22 - Poetry about women will be featured at 7 p.m. in the BCC's multipurpose room.  "Women's Art, Women's Vision, Women's Dreams … A Womanist Poetry Event!" is a collaboration between the BCC and the Women's Resource Center. Campus poets will share poems that honor women.

* Feb. 26 - Keith O. Boykin, host of the BET show "My Two Cents," will talk at 7 p.m. in Stewart Center's Fowler Hall on the topic "Diversity without Division: Building an Inclusive Campus." The New York Times bestselling author of three books is a regular commentator on CNN.

* Feb. 29-March 1 - Participants in a BCC tour of Southern Indiana will learn about and experience African-American history of the area. The group will visit Lyles Station, one of the last African-American settlements in Indiana and the Evansville African-American Museum. Cost of the tour is $100 for the general public and $35 for Purdue students. That includes transportation by bus, lodging, admission fees and lunch. Registration and full payment are due by Feb. 8.

* March 5-6 - Students from the Performing Art Ensembles will present the semester Coffee House Showcase at the BCC. The ensemble groups include the Black Voices of Inspiration, Haraka Writers, New Directional Players and Jahari Dance Troupe.

* March 7-April 12 - An exhibition of hats worn by African-American women in Lafayette churches will be at the Art Museum of Greater Lafayette, 102 S. 10th St., Lafayette. "Her Crowning Glory: "Hats of the African-American Community" will feature hats of all shapes, sizes, colors and styles. Stories from their owners accompany each hat.

* March 30 - The Black Voices of Inspiration will perform its annual spring concert at 3 p.m. in Loeb Playhouse in Stewart Center. The group will be directed by Twana Harris. Admission is $5 for Purdue students and $7 for the public.

* April 4 through April 6 - The BCC and Civic Theatre team up in "Crowns," a musical that fuses faith with fashion by celebrating African-American women and their church hats. Based on the best-selling book by Michael Cunningham and Craig Marberry, the play is being directed by Bill Caise, BCC assistant director. Twana Harris will be the musical director. Call (765) 423-7529 for ticket information.

* April 10 and April 11 - Haraka Fest will be featured at 7 p.m. each day in the BCC.

Writer: Greg McClure, (765) 494-9394, gmcclure@purdue.edu

Source: Renee Thomas, (765) 494-3091, rathomas@purdue.edu

Purdue News Service: (765) 494-2096; purduenews@purdue.edu

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