BLVCK BRILLIANCE: A Celebration of Melanin
Different Strokes! Performing Arts Collective presents Melvin AC Howell and Heart & Soul Dance Co. as part of Asheville Area Art Council’s “LIVE” Benefit Series to reignite the performing arts.
BLVCK BRILLIANCE, a unique, and joyful evening-length production is performed by a talented and supercharged cast of local Black dancers and a violinist. This curated evening of soulful expression and story-telling is directed and choreographed by Western North Carolina’s own international dancer and choreographer, Melvin AC Howell. BLVCK BRILLIANCE uses a variety of movement styles and music to celebrate and elaborate not on the trauma and struggles of being Black, but of the strength, resilience, and pride Black People possess despite those things.
Howell has been transforming and molding lives, while evolving the art of dance, for over 13 years. He says “BLVCK BRILLIANCE is more than entertainment, it’s an experience that is meant to celebrate Black People, Black culture, and Black excellence”. You are invited, no matter who you are, to this celebration of melanin, and demonstration of Black brilliance.
AAAC was awarded a $30,000 Community Foundation of WNC Natural and Cultural Resources grant for a series of benefit performances to provide aid for cultural institutions, which was matched by private donations. “As we know, the past year has been difficult for the entire nonprofit sector, and cultural organizations were particularly hard hit by closures and restrictions,” said Tara Scholtz, CFWNC Senior Program Officer. “We are pleased to partner with the Arts Council to bring attention and funds to this effort.”
For tickets and additional information about Different Strokes! Performing Arts Collective, please visit https://www.worthamarts.org/events/dspac-blvck-brilliance/. All tickets must be purchased online or in person, through the Wortham Center for the Performing Arts box office (828.257-4530). To help prevent the spread of COVID-19 and variants only 150 tickets (with sufficiently distanced seating) will be available in the 500 seat venue. Masks covering the nose and mouth must be worn at all events taking place at Wortham Center for The Performing Arts. There is no intermission.
EVENT SUMMARY:
Different Strokes! Performing Arts Collective presents BLVCK BRILLIANCE: A Celebration of Melanin with Melvin AC Howell and Heart & Soul Dance Co. as part of Asheville Area Art Council’s “LIVE” Benefit Series to reignite the performing arts, Saturday, July 24th at 7:00 pm. Tickets are $20 (plus fees). To help prevent the spread of COVID-19 and variants only 150 tickets (with sufficiently distanced seating) will be available in the 500 seat venue. Masks covering the nose and the mouth must be worn at all events taking place at Wortham Center for The Performing Arts. There is no intermission.