Events

Ta-Nehisi Coates’ lyrical novel “The Water Dancer” weaves tasker Hiram’s inhuman separations, fear, toil, and the supportive African American community on Lockless plantation into a quest for freedom. His mastery of spiritual conduction, work with Harriet Tubman, and determination triumph! Join Dr. Karen Arnold for a deep dive into history.

This is a two-part discussion, happening on Feb. 4 and 11. Please register for both Part 1 and Part 2.

Renowned saxophonist Kevin Levi is set to unveil his debut solo project, “ATONE,” a vibrant fusion of hip hop, R&B, Neo-soul, and ballads infused with his signature melodic flair. “ATONE” ventures into uncharted creative territory, showcasing Levi’s boundless artistry and collaborative spirit. Each original composition reflects his personal inspiration and meticulous craftsmanship, highlighted by the talents of collaborator Leroy “Scooter” Taylor. With a storied history performing alongside luminaries like Wynton Marsalis and Marcus Miller, Kevin’s music transcends boundaries, inviting listeners to tap into their imagination and create their own narratives through his soul-stirring saxophone melodies.

Dr. James Karmel will give an overview of African American Civil Rights in Maryland from the Reconstruction Era through the mid-20th Century. He is a Professor of History at Harford Community College, where he also serves as Director of the Harford Civil Rights Project. He is the recipient of a major National Endowment for the Humanities program grant, and the primary developer of the Harford Civil Rights Project’s digital exhibition.

Harmony Hall Arts Center presents “AILEY”—a captivating film celebrating Alvin Ailey, a revolutionary dance icon. Director Jamila Wignot skillfully brings Ailey’s enduring legacy to life, revealing the profound impact of his choreography on the Black American experience. Through intimate interviews and evocative archival footage, “AILEY” captures the brilliance of this visionary artist who created not just dance, but a community where emotions run deep and the human spirit soars. Experience the beauty and power of Alvin Ailey’s work.

Right over Left: DMV Runway Review (2017-Present) is a group exhibition, curated by Danyela J Brown. The exhibition, comprised of videos from legendary DMV runway clips and archived effects, seeks to juxtapose the artists’ relationships to craft and performance with the call-and-response timescale of Runway as a genre determined on the floor. Danyela insists upon critical ballroom studies as a methodology for reckoning with the material realities and urgencies of Black and brown, queer and trans, neurodiverse and disabled artists. Ballroom as a genre is stridently competitive, decidedly ephemeral, and absolutely ungovernable—at the same time it is the only platform many have to celebrate their expertise and self-determination. Brown started voguing in 2017 at SMYAL and has walked internationally in the mainstream and Kiki ballroom scenes. Currently, she is VA Mother of the Kiki House of Supreme, and she serves as Director of Operations for DMV Kiki Nights Inc, curating ballroom programming in DC.