01-30-09

ArtsWestchester will be celebrating Black History Month
    Throughout February and early March ArtsWestchester will be celebrating Black History Month with an exciting line up of events including an evening of poetry, monologues and music with legendary Actress Ruby Dee and her family, a video teleconference with distinguished Author Ernest J. Gaines, and an eclectic array of concerts.
     With the exception of a video teleconference with author Ernest J. Gaines, which will be held at Mercy College in Dobbs Ferry, all Black History Month events will be included as part of ArtsWestchester’s “Arts at the X” performance series, which is held at The Arts Exchange, ArtsWestchester’s headquarters, at 31 Mamaroneck Avenue in downtown White Plains. The “Arts at the X” Black History Month series is presented with the County Executive’s Office of African-American Affairs and is sponsored by the African American Men of Westchester and Citibank.

Black History Month Series Includes:

Saturday, January 31 @ 8pm

DOO WOP CELEBRATION

1950’s -70’s chart topping performer Justine “Baby” Washington and the Enchanters, featuring Annette St. John.

Saturday, February 7 @ 8pm

FAMILY FIRST

Oscar nominee Ruby Dee presents an evening of poetry, monologues, blues and jazz with her family: bluesman Guy Davis, poet Hasna Muhammad, and guitarist Wali Muhammad.

Saturday, February 21 @ 8pm

Bob Baldwin Jr: A Tribute to My Father

Star pianist/composer in the “smooth jazz” tradition is joined by Harlem trumpeter Fred Smith. A traditional jazz tribute to Bob Baldwin Sr. is followed by a set of Baldwin Jr.s’ contemporary jazz hits.

Thursday, February 26 @ 7:30 p.m.

A Conversation with Author Ernest J. Gaines

(to be held at Mercy College, 555 Broadway, Dobbs Ferry)

Throughout February and early March ArtsWestchester is organizing an NEA Big Read around the book “A Lesson Before Dying” by Ernest J. Gaines. Join a live video teleconference wherein Gaines talks about his life and work and answers your questions. This event is free and open to the public but reservations are required by contacting Lauren Milo at (914) 428-4220 x 235, or lmilo@artswestchester.org

Friday, February 27 @ 7:30 p.m.

Maderas Del Peru Afro Peruvian Dance Party

Learn the Marinera and the Festejo dances of coastal Afro-Peruvian culture, with master drummer and dancer Marcos Nappa.

Saturday, March 7 @ 8 pm

Porter Carroll Jr: No Strings Attached

Don’t miss the return of this ethereal vocalist, sharing his originals in a cabaret format. Featuring a great band, singers and special guests.

Buy Tickets to All Five Events and Save: Series Ticket $90. Ticket prices are $25 for general admission, $40 for reserved seating, and $20 for students, seniors, and members of ArtsWestchester. General admission and discount tickets cost $5 more on the day of the show. Ticket holders can enjoy 15% off  drinks and dinner at nearby Asian Temptation. For tickets call (914) 428-4220 x 223 or visit www.artswestchester.org.

Between December and the end of June, ArtsWestchester will present 23 dynamic performances featuring a wonderful array of music, dance, theater and spoken word offerings, all the Westchester Arts Council’s headquarters at 31 Mamaroneck Avenue in the heart of downtown White Plains. “Arts at the X” is made possible with generous support from Entergy Nuclear Northeast, Jacob Burns Foundation, New York State Council on the Arts, Jacqueline and Arthur Walker, Betty Himmel, The Liman Foundation, Deborah & Alan Simon and A. Maren Hexter.

ArtsWestchester, founded in 1965, is the largest, private, not-for-profit arts council in New York State. Its mission is to provide leadership, vision, and support, to ensure the availability, accessibility, and diversity of the arts. In 1998, ArtsWestchester purchased a nine-story building at 31 Mamaroneck Avenue, now known as the Arts Exchange, and has since developed the building as a multi-use resource for artists, cultural organizations, and the community.