Creative Alliance honors the diversity, complexity, and beauty of Black artist experiences. We’re not stopping at February… this celebration goes through March!
CURLEY TAYLOR
Wed, Feb 19 | 7pm
Preserving his family’s heritage, Louisiana native Curley Taylor revealed his gift for zydeco early on. As a teen, he hit the road with C.J. Chenier and Gina Delafose. Schooled and skilled in the charismatic rhythms of zydeco’s rub board-infused dance music, former drummer Taylor leads his band on accordion and vocals. A fan of everything from traditional zydeco to sixties soul and contemporary R&B, Taylor and his band bring new energy to this vibrant dance music. 7pm Zydeco dance lesson w/ Ben Pagac. 7:30pm Dance $18, $13 mbrs.
SWEET DREAMS
Directors: Lisa and Rob Fruchtman
USA, 2013, 84 mins.
THU | FEB 20 | 7:30pm
Rwanda’s first and only all women’s drumming troupe is called Ingoma Nshya. Made up of women from both sides of the 1994 Rwandan genocide, the troupe offers a place of support, healing and reconciliation. When the group decides to partner with two young American entrepreneurs, Jennie Dundas and Alexis Miesen of Brooklyn’s Blue Marble Ice Cream, and open Rwanda’s first ever ice cream shop, these remarkable Rwandan women embark on a journey of independence, peace and possibility. SWEET DREAMS interweaves intimate, heart-wrenching stories with joyous and powerful music to present a moving portrait of a country in transition. 7:30pm. $12, $7 mbrs.
MAYSA’S NINA SIMONE TRIBUTE
w/ ROSILAND CAUTHEN & BASHI ROSE
FRI | FEB 21 | 8pm
Nationally renowned soul, jazz and R&B diva Maysa makes her Patterson debut with a tribute to Nina Simone on the activist musician’s birthday. With her honey-toned mezzo-soprano and magnetic stage presence, Maysa has collaborated with everyone from Stevie Wonder and Chaka Khan to Incognito and Angela Bofill. Tonight she crafts a set in honor of Nina Simone – one of her most admired influences. Actress/director Rosiland Cauthen reads from Simone’s writing while filmmaker Bashi Rose shares archival footage of the author of Mississippi Goddam. 8pm. $25, $20 mbrs.
AFRICAN DANCE FOR ADULTS
SATURDAYS until Mar 15
Instructor Sheena Black leads adults through an exploration of sacred and secular dances from Africa, Latin America and the Caribbean. With a focus on movement from the African Diaspora, you are sure to work up a sweat while mastering intricate moves that have influenced modern American dance. Attire: comfortable clothing (leggings, sweats, etc), bare feet. Drop-in $15.
AFRICAN DANCE FOR KIDS
SATURDAYS until Mar 15
Ages 5-12
Instructor Sheena Black leads kids through an exploration of dances from Africa, Latin America and the Caribbean. With a focus on dance from the African Diaspora, your kids are sure to work up creative energy while mastering intricate moves that have influenced modern American dance. Attire: comfortable clothing (leggings, sweats, etc), bare feet. Drop-in $12.
VIVA BRASIL! CARNIVALE DANCE PARTY!
SAT | MAR 1 | 7:30pm
Our annual samba throw-down! Samba Trovao returns to transform The Patterson into a Carnival street party. Start with a special performance by the all-women percussion band Batala DC, followed with a samba dance lesson and a traditional Carnival show in full costume! Brazilian Latin grooves from DJ Luiz Louco & DJ Miguel De Amor! Fresh Caipirinhas at the cash bar!
7:30pm Batala DC under the Marquee, 8pm lesson, 9pm Dance!. $18, $13 mbrs and stus.
LADIES VERSE
SUN | MAR 16 | 7pm
The annual whole soul all female cast is back! Interactive performances feature some of the area’s hottest socially-conscious lyrical divas: Ama Chandra, Olu Butterfly, Rebecca Dupas, Shelly Says So, J Pope, JaHipster, Lady Brion, April Sampe, Temple, Miss Cream, Martina Lynch, and Nakia “Fiya Angelou” Brown. Hosted by David Ross of the 5thL. 6pm Marketplace, 7pm Pre-Show. 7:30pm Show. $16, $11 mbrs.
