Pascal Bokar Afro Blue Grazz Band Comes to Phoenix
Prior to the concert, Pascal Bokar and the band will present an interactive conversation through their Jazz, Culture & Social Justice Project.by Alexa Criscitiello
The Nash, West Valley Arts and Ottowa University AZ have joined forces to present the Pascal Bokar Afro Blue Grazz Band for two shows, Aug 9 at 7:00 pm at The Nash 110 E Roosevelt, and Aug 11 at 7:00 pm at Ottawa University, 15950 N Civic Center Plaza, Surprise. Tickets are $25 and on sale at Eventbrite: The Nash: August 9 at 7:00 pmWest Valley August 11 at 7:00 pm
Born in Paris, France and raised in Mali and Senegal, West Africa, Pascal Bokar is an accomplished guitarist/vocalist, who has always understood the connections between West African music and the sounds of the American South. The Pascal Bokar Afro Blue Grazz Band is an exciting powerhouse band of eleven musicians that features the West African sabar drum, the balafon (ancestor of the xylophone), the banjo, t
Must-see metro Phoenix arts in May include free shows, music at Desert Botanical Garden Elizabeth Montgomery, Arizona Republic
As Phoenix art centers continue to reopen, new shows and new art are coming to town.
After shifting to outdoor performances on a new outdoor stage, The Phoenix Theatre Company will hold its final outdoor show before returning productions to its mainstage indoors next month.
Meanwhile, Broadway-style shows are starting to show up on metro Phoenix stages as well.
Phoenix Art Museum has launched a new program to celebrate the nurses, hospital personnel, teachers, EMTs, paramedics and firefighters who have given so much of themselves during the COVID-19 pandemic.
How to celebrate Black History Month 2021 across Phoenix: 8 virtual and in-person events KiMi Robinson, Arizona Republic
In honor of Black History Month, organizations, activists and businesses in metro Phoenix are hosting virtual and in-person events throughout the month that recognize works in arts and music, historical figures and contemporary issues.
This year’s theme, chosen by the Association for the Study of African American Life and History, is “The Black Family: Representation, Identity, and Diversity.” ASALH will offer virtual programming throughout the month “in observance and celebration of the strengths, struggles, resistance and the sheer perseverance of the Black family.”
New West Valley Arts Council show featuring Black artists hopes to encourage conversations Elizabeth Montgomery, Arizona Republic
In celebration of Black History Month, West Valley Arts Council will host an art exhibition showcasing the work of metro Phoenix African American artists.
“Imprint: African Americans in the Arts” opens Jan. 22 and includes the artwork of sculptors Joe Willie Smith and Gedion Nyanhongo, photographer Alvin Galloway, painters Phalen Booker, Wanda King and John Neville and owner of Onyx Art Gallery Kathi Williams.
“We felt this was important because, throughout history, the most impressionable and long-lasting things in the arts have been started, implemented and supported by African Americans, West Valley Arts Council president and CEO Sandra Bassett said. We also know that a lot of that has expanded to be more culturally inclusive, and not just reserved for those of color, but inclusive to all Americans to participate in.”
• Joe Willie Smith, sculpture • Wanda King, painting In addition to exhibitions of their works, the artists will engage the local community in thoughtful and captivating dialogue through visual and interactive concepts at workshops, lectures and classes beginning on Feb. 6, said West Valley Arts President and CEO Sandra Bassett. African American artists have had a significant impact on U.S. arts and culture on many levels and we re excited to offer insights into the work of local artists whose contributions are so meaningful.
A full schedule of events can be found at www.westvalleyarts.org.
Among the events will be a live painting demonstration by Phalen Booker on Jan. 22 from 4-7 p.m., and music performances. His artwork will be auctioned with proceeds supporting West Valley Arts Arts Advantage Black History video, The Tribute, based on a book by Traci Nolan about famous Black Americans in history. The video will be available in English and Spanish on Feb. 1, 2021. F