BCC ensembles prepared for spring performances

The performing arts ensembles of the Black Cultural Center will enliven each of the coming weekends with performances capping a year of creative expression, beginning with the Black Voices of Inspiration this Sunday (April 2).

Renee Thomas, BCC director, says the events provide a public look at the values, issues and personal growth of students who have given focused energy to their work in their ensembles.

The BCC program this year included a research tour at fall break to Tulsa, Oklahoma, to explore themes of African-American commerce and blacks in the American West. Ensemble members on BCC research tours typically create artistic works expressing learning from the tour. A February overnight trip went to Lyles Station, Indiana, and Evansville. Students' performances also draw on sources from the celebration of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. to current topics and events on campus.

* April 2 (Su): The Black Voices of Inspiration Choir will be in concert at 3 p.m. in Stewart Center's Loeb Playhouse. This spring concert will feature choral literature that represents various genres and musical styles of African-American composers and arrangers, making for a memorable and heartwarming afternoon. BVOI is directed by James Dekle. Tickets: public, $7; Purdue students, $5. On sale at the Stewart Center box office.

* April 7-8 (F-Sa): The Haraka Writers, presenting “Radical Melanated Love: When Love is a Revolutionary Act; In an Unloving Society,” will rev up their annual Haraka Fest, filled with words of power, beauty, anger, love and truth. Radical gets a bad name. Haraka will explore what it means to Love Radically … Radical Love. They will explore radical love of family, radical love of food, radical love of community, as well as the many facets of black love and the celebration of black love as an essential mental health practice. The event will be at 7 p.m. each evening at BCC. The Haraka Writers are directed by Khari Bowden. Free.

* April 14-15 (F-Sa): The Spring Production “Laughing Ladies!” by the New Directional Players promises original looks at important matters, as always dramatically presenting a broad range of ideas and emotions. "Laughing Ladies!" explores all things comedy -- skits, scenes, monologues and improv all focused on tickling the funny bone. Come early and stay late … well, not too late (we got stuff to do). The event will be at 7 p.m. each evening at BCC. The New Directional Players are directed by Sonita Surratt. Free.

* April 22 (Sa): The Spring Revue of the Jahari Dance Troupe, “More! Busting Stereotypes and Stigmas” will provide a stirring finish to the BCC performance calendar. "More!" explores the resiliency of the human spirit. Stereotypes and stigma are challenges to human possibility … "More!" busts those imposed limits and uses dance to reach toward the limits of human possibility. The event will be at 7 p.m. in Loeb Playhouse. The Jahari troupe is led by artist-in-residence Kevin Iega Jeff. Tickets: public, $7; Purdue students, $5. On sale at the Stewart Center box office.

More about the Black Cultural Center, its performing arts ensembles and its Cultural Arts Series can be found here.