Purdue News

Performing groups to celebrate BCC's new beginnings WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. – Students, visiting alumni and the public can experience an evening of African-American theater, poetry, dance and music Friday, Oct. 15, at the Black Cultural Center Coffee House at Purdue University. The BCC's four performing arts ensembles will perform "New Beginnings – An Evening of Celebration" at 8 p.m. in Loeb Playhouse, Stewart Center. Tickets are $3 for students and $5 for the public, available at the door. The "New Beginnings" title reflects the Black Cultural Center's move to its new $3 million facility at 1100 Third Street. The morning after the coffee house – at 10 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 16 – Purdue President Steven C. Beering will dedicate the new BCC building during a Homecoming Weekend ribbon-cutting ceremony. "The student ensembles have worked hard to make this an evening of celebration, one that pays tribute and homage to all of the people who contributed to the growth of the Black Cultural Center and to its new building," said Howard Lucas, artist in residence for the Jahari Dance Troupe and assistant director of the BCC. "This show will definitely showcase the superior talent that is present within our ensembles and, hopefully, provide a glimpse of the 'total African-American experience.'" The four performing arts ensembles are the Black Voices of Inspiration, a choir that specializes in gospel music, spirituals and contemporary songs by African-American composers; Haraka Writers, a group of student poets, essayists and short-story writers; Jahari Dance Troupe, which performs a repertoire including African, ballet, folk, jazz, tap and modern dance; and the New Directional Players, a theater group with a focus on presenting thought-provoking drama about the African-American experience. The coffee house is a presentation of the BCC's fall semester Cultural Arts Series, which features prominent scholars, performing artists and Purdue alumni, with an emphasis on those who have contributed extensively to human rights, business and education. CONTACT: Lucas, (765) 494-3095; hslucas@hfs.purdue.edu   To the Purdue News and Photos Page