February 11, 2020

As we enter Black History Month, Greater Cincinnati's arts organizations offer groundbreaking performances for you to enjoy. Here are just a few events featured in the incredible month ahead.

If you're looking for a provocative perspective on America, we have just the thing for you. Head over to Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park to see "americUS." By fusing theater, poetry, dance, jazz, hip-hop and down-home blues, "americUS" creates a compelling portrait of contemporary America. The show runs until March 8.

The story of Little Orphan Annie is a classic that most are familiar with. However, this year, our friends at The Children's Theatre of Cincinnati are spicing it up a bit. This year, Diana Hutchinson will become the first ever black actress to play Annie in The Children’s Theatre of Cincinnati's production of "Annie, Jr.!" Head out to support her from February 29 to March 8.

Are you a Hip-Hop head? Do you miss the days of boom bap, dope rhymes and amazing beats? Not to worry — Elementz will take you there. On February 20, join them at the Woodward Theater for the second edition of their Thrive series, "We Are," presented by ArtsWave.

Our friend Kari is getting reacquainted with the Greater Cincinnati area and its thriving theater scene. Kari recently visited Cincinnati Shakespeare Company to enjoy their production of "All the Way" and found it "tremendously compelling." Check out why in her review, and make sure you see it for yourself before the run ends on February 15!

The new African American Arts series, Flow, premieres with “Retro/ACTIVE” on February 21-22 by the world-renowned Dayton Contemporary Dance Company. Tickets are going fast and this is a concert you won't want to miss. You'll see a new work by DCDC’s Chief Artistic Administrator & Producing Director Debbie Blunden-Diggs. DCDC will also perform “Vespers,” Ulysses Dove’s touching, poetic tribute to womanhood; “On the Wings of Angels,” Warren Spear’s soaring tribute to Tuskegee Airmen; and “Indestructible,” Abby Zbikowski’s tribute to the endurance of those who struggle for justice. Reserve your seat here!

POWER OF HER celebrates women, women-centric works, and some of the milestone anniversaries of arts organizations founded and leg who have done amazing work in the Greater Cincinnati arts scene. February promises to be a month full of Black Girl Magic as our arts partners lead the charge in celebrating it.

The Taft Museum of Art kicks off next week by hosting an artist talk and reception with Cynthia Lockhart. On February 9, the renowned artist will be present to discuss her process and motivation before having a meet and greet.

Black History Month is traditionally known as a time of honoring African Americans who made strides for the culture, as well as the arts and tools they used to overcome their struggles. To that end, wouldn't it be wonderful to experience a concert of spirituals from that time? Well, look no further than Salon 21 as they host pianist Dr. Leah Claiborne in their concert, "Negro Melodies of America." This performance will highlight piano works by Black composers who have used arrangements of Negro Melodies, or “Spirituals,” in their compositions. You can see it at the Weston Art Gallery on February 27.

What would Black History Month be without a soulful concert? On February 18, join the Cincinnati Pops Orchestra as they feature Grammy-nominated songstress Ledisi at Music Hall. The concert will feature performances some of the soul singer's greatest hits as well as a special tribute to Nina Simone that you don't want to miss.

To find a full schedule of events related to the POWER OF HER, visit artswave.org/HER.