VAACC Artist Masterpiece Series:
MLK Day Celebration featuring The King Project
Virginia African American Cultural Center Artist Masterpiece Series MLK Day Celebration featuring Beauty for Ashes Dance Company. Beauty for Ashes will present The King Project, a dance tribute to Martin Luther King, Jr. .Learn More about the Beauty Of Ashes Dance Company A Z Ticket Bank FREE performance provided by Virginia African American Cultural Center. Additional funding for this performance comes from the City of Virginia Beach Cultural Affairs through the Arts and Humanities Commission. Standard: $0 - Free Family Time performance Registration is required. You will need your Registered ticket to be scanned at the house doors the night of your event. Friday, January 17, 2024 7:00 PM Zeiders American Dream Theater 4509 Commerce Street Virginia Beach, VA 23462 Box Office: 757-499-0317 |
Norfolk’s singer and songwriter Sesil Jenkins
The VAACC will kick off the 2024-25 season of its highly acclaimed Virtual Artist Masterpiece Series tonight at 7 p.m., featuring Norfolk’s singer and songwriter Sesil Jenkins. Known as the last protégé of Marvin Gaye, Jenkins has traveled all over the world, collaborating with many great artists as a choreographer, singer and songwriter.
This engaging, online event features a moderated interview discussion by VAACC Director of Programming Crystal Sessoms. Join us and watch as Jenkins reflects on the earlier days of his career, from working with Gaye to his ongoing journey as an artist and how he uses his talents to make change in the world.
The event will end with an audience Q&A. Viewers must register in advance online for this free, virtual event sponsored by the Virginia Beach Arts & Humanities Commission. For more information or to register log onto www.vaaccvb.org.
This engaging, online event features a moderated interview discussion by VAACC Director of Programming Crystal Sessoms. Join us and watch as Jenkins reflects on the earlier days of his career, from working with Gaye to his ongoing journey as an artist and how he uses his talents to make change in the world.
The event will end with an audience Q&A. Viewers must register in advance online for this free, virtual event sponsored by the Virginia Beach Arts & Humanities Commission. For more information or to register log onto www.vaaccvb.org.
TRUTH AND FREEDOM
The Virginia African American Cultural Center presents a live recording of its highly acclaimed Virtual Artist Masterpiece Series featuring “Truth and Freedom”, a theatrical production written and directed by VAACC’s own Crystal Sessoms. Join us as we watch many of Virginia’s African American heroes fight for the truth and freedom in their lives.
“Truth and Freedom” is a theatrical production highlighting the lives of African American heroes in Virginia. The production consists of 12 actors/singers and 2 musicians (Piano, drums) and one dancer. The show runs approximately 1hour & 15 minutes and will be followed with a brief discussion/interview with the talent. The event is part of our Virtual Artist Masterpiece Series as well as VAACC Juneteenth programming. Viewers must register online in advance for this free event, hosted in part by the Virginia Beach Arts & Humanities Commission. A Z Ticket Bank FREE performance provided by Virginia African American Cultural Center. Additional funding for this performance comes from the City of Virginia Beach Cultural Affairs through the Arts and Humanities Commission. |
Songstress Becky Livas
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Join the Virginia African American Cultural Center for a live recording of its highly acclaimed Virtual Artist Masterpiece Series on Thursday, March 21, at 7 p.m., featuring Songstress Becky Livas. The event will be held on the VAACC's Facebook page and on YouTube as well as live at the Zeiders American Dream Theater located at 4509 Commerce Street in Virginia Beach's Town Center.
This engaging online event features a moderated interview discussion by VAACC Director of Programming, Crystal Sessoms, with Becky. The event will end with an audience Q&A. Viewers must register online at vaaccvb.org in advance for this free event, hosted, in part, by the Virginia Beach Arts & Humanities Commission. |
Playwright Terrance Afer-Anderson
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VAACC's Virtual Artist Masterpiece Series with playwright, director, actor and health advocate Terrance Afer-Anderson! Hosted by Program Director Crystal Sessoms. This episode of the series was Live at the Zeiders American Dream Theater in Virginia Beach.
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Tidewater's own Romonta Allen
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Join the VAACC for its highly acclaimed Virtual Masterpiece 2023-2024 Series on Thursday, November 16, 2023 at 7pm featuring Tidewater's own Romonta Allen. This engaging online event features a moderated interview discussion by VAACC Director of Programming, Crystal Sessoms. Romonta will reflect on his journey and give insight on being an artist in this region. The event will end with an audience Q&A. Viewers must register online in advance for this free virtual event hosted in part by Virginia Beach Arts & Humanities Commission.
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Sisters In The Church House
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In honor of Gospel Music Heritage Month, join the VAACC for its highly acclaimed Virtual Artist Masterpiece 2023-2024 Series kickoff on Thursday, Sept. 21, at 7 p.m., featuring native Hampton Roads Playwrights, Directors, and Actresses Jacqueline Staples and Gwendolyn Matarita. The pair will highlight their popular stage play, "Sisters in The Church House."
This engaging online event features a moderated interview discussion with these two dynamic women by VAACC Executive Director Tamar Smithers and VAACC Director of Programming Crystal Sessoms. The artists will reflect on their career and artistry, as well as highlight videos from the production. The event will end with an audience Q&A. Viewers must register in advance online for this free, virtual event hosted in part by the Virginia Beach Arts & Humanities Commission and Dominion Energy. |
Live Your Dreams Not Your Reality - “Top Rope Zeus” Campbell!
Join the VAACC for its highly acclaimed Virtual Artist Masterpiece Series Part II on Thursday, June 22 at 7 p.m. featuring comedic actor, writer, director, voice over artist, and influencer Zeus “Top Rope Zeus” Campbell! This engaging online event features a moderated interview discussion by VAACC Executive Director, Tamar Smithers with the artist reflecting on his career and artistry, as well as highlight videos from special performances. The event will end with an audience Q&A. Viewers must register in advance online for this free, virtual event hosted in part by the Virginia Beach Arts & Humanities Commission and Dominion Energy.
The Renaissance Woman: Artist, Actress, and Business Woman Lydia Caesar
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Join the VAACC for its highly acclaimed Virtual Artist Masterpiece Series Part II on Thursday, May 25 at 7 p.m. featuring professional Recording Artist, Actress, and Business Woman Lydia Caesar! This engaging online event features a moderated interview discussion by VAACC Executive Director, Tamar Smithers with the artist reflecting on her career and artistry, as well as highlight videos from special performances. The event will end with an audience Q&A. Viewers must register in advance online for this free, virtual event hosted in part by the Virginia Beach Arts & Humanities Commission and Dominion Energy.
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From Bed-Stuy to Broadway, Hollywood & Beyond:
Broadway Performer, Alvin Ailey Dance Instructor, and Motivational Speaker,
Judine Somerville
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Join the VAACC for its highly acclaimed Virtual Artist Masterpiece Series Part II on Thursday April 20th at 7 p.m. featuring Broadway Performer, Alvin Ailey Dance Instructor, and Motivational Speaker, Judine Somerville. This engaging online event features a moderated interview discussion by VAACC Executive Director, Tamar Smithers with the artist reflecting on her career and artistry, as well as highlight videos from special performances. The event will end with an audience Q&A. Viewers must register in advance online for this free, virtual event hosted in part by the Virginia Beach Arts & Humanities Commission and Dominion Energy.
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Voices of Black Women from the Past:
African Storyteller, Playwright, and Producer Valerie Davis
In honor on Women's History Month, The VAACC's highly acclaimed Virtual Artist Masterpiece Series is back for Part II on Mar. 16 at 7 p.m. with award winning African Storyteller, Playwright, and Producer Valerie Davis. This event features a moderated interview discussion by VAACC Executive Director, Tamar Smithers with the artist reflecting on her career and artistry, as well as special in-character conversation with Martha Ann Fields, an enslaved woman who escaped slavery in 1863. Through her courage and resilience she led her family to freedom at Fortress Monroe in Hampton, Virginia. The event will end with an audience Q&A. Viewers must register in advance online for this free, virtual event hosted in part by the Virginia Beach Arts & Humanities Commission and Dominion Energy. Valerie Yemimah Davis is a gifted and award winning Djelimusa (African Storyteller), playwright and producer, who uses her talents to teach African and African American History and to promote awareness of lesser known historical events and people. As a self taught Historian, Valerie draws upon the wisdom and spirit of her Ancestors to bring their stories to life. Her signature performance is the Martha Ann Fields’ Story. A performance that has been received well by over thousands of students and adults in the Virginia area. She has written and starred in several one woman shows focusing on domestic violence and historical women of courage. Giving a voice to not only Martha Ann Fields, but Coretta Scott King, Nancy Green (The first Aunt Jemima) Nanny, the wife of Gabriel, who led the slave rebellion in Richmond in 1800 and Harriett Tubman. Valerie is a recent recipient of the Royal Wolf Film Award for her work as a Narrator on "Until Caleb". As a Playwright, she has been blessed to have several of her productions staged and presented at theaters to sold out crowds. Recently she has taken her Storytelling in a different direction by authoring her first book, Spirit of the Hummingbird; Mom, Me and PSP. All of her work is dedicated to her Ancestors, who’s shoulders upon which she stands!!
Rap is Folk feat. Rapper & Musician Demeanor
The VAACC's highly acclaimed Artist Masterpiece Series is back for Part II on Feb. 28 at 7 p.m. with rapper & musician Justin "Demeanor."
The event features a moderated interview discussion by VAACC Executive Director, Tamar Smithers with the artist reflecting on his career and artistry, a Q&A with the audience and sample performances.
Viewers must register in advance online for this free, virtual event hosted in part by the Virginia Beach Arts & Humanities Commission.
Justin “Demeanor” is a rapper and musician from Greensboro, North Carolina. A OneBeat Fellow Alum, Harrington has been featured on Americana Award Nominated album “Freedom Highway” and reached Billboard Bluegrasses Top 40 with his collaboration with Gangstagrass. He recently made his debut on NPR’s Tiny Desk series with Jake Blount. He coined the term “Rap is Folk” after merging his experience as a clawhammer banjo player and a hip-hop artist, making the assertion that Hip Hop is a traditional American folk music form.
Harrington formed a nonprofit in 2020 named “Haus of Lacks” which now works under the name “Studio 176” which is decimated to empowering and uplifting the artist community by providing platform, opportunity, and education for those who seek to build a career outside of the metrics of the modern music industry.
The event features a moderated interview discussion by VAACC Executive Director, Tamar Smithers with the artist reflecting on his career and artistry, a Q&A with the audience and sample performances.
Viewers must register in advance online for this free, virtual event hosted in part by the Virginia Beach Arts & Humanities Commission.
Justin “Demeanor” is a rapper and musician from Greensboro, North Carolina. A OneBeat Fellow Alum, Harrington has been featured on Americana Award Nominated album “Freedom Highway” and reached Billboard Bluegrasses Top 40 with his collaboration with Gangstagrass. He recently made his debut on NPR’s Tiny Desk series with Jake Blount. He coined the term “Rap is Folk” after merging his experience as a clawhammer banjo player and a hip-hop artist, making the assertion that Hip Hop is a traditional American folk music form.
Harrington formed a nonprofit in 2020 named “Haus of Lacks” which now works under the name “Studio 176” which is decimated to empowering and uplifting the artist community by providing platform, opportunity, and education for those who seek to build a career outside of the metrics of the modern music industry.
MULTI-TALENTED ARTIST GENE CLOUT
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The VAACC's highly acclaimed Artist Masterpiece Series is back for Part II on Oct. 27 at 7 p.m. with Multi-talented Artist Gene Clout. The latest VIRTUAL series debuts with "Worthwhile: Excerpts from Gene Clout's Musical Journey."
The event features a moderated interview discussion by host Dee-Dee Teklu with the artist reflecting on his career and professional art experience, a Q&A with the audience and sample performances. Gene is an outstanding artist whose repertoire spans from classical opera to contemporary genres of today. As an artist, he strives to bring eccentricity, musicality, and innovation to the entertainment world by fusing many of his musical influences throughout history and all over the world.As a classical artist, with a master's degree in Vocal Performance, Gene has performed in operas and symphonic works under the baton of several acclaimed American conductors. |
Breaking Barriers: Beck G from Wu World and Vinyl Radio Word
VAACC continues its exciting, virtual Masterpiece Series featuring renowned Radio Talk Show host Rebekah Gaines, aka Beck G., on April 7, at 7 p.m. The event features a moderated interview discussion by host Phillip Jones with Beck G, Radio Host for "The Morning After Show," Wu World and Vinyl Radio Word. She will reflect on her career as a talk-show host and owner of Beck's Management. A live demonstration performance will be followed by Q&A with the audience.
Beck G is a Norfolk native who was the lead singer in a four-girl A cappella singing group called “Elegant Harmony.” They won Teddy Riley's first talent show in Virginia in the '90s and were featured on BET. Beck G is the proud founder and principal of Beck's Management, her SWAM-certified, public relations & marketing firm. Her company's niche is working with entertainment, events, and entrepreneurs. She has a unique knack for branding, networking, creating opportunities, building relationships, and professionalism. As the chief publicist, her mission to help her clients realize their greatest goals. She was also the PR Director and the award-winning radio personality for her own top rated, Saturday morning show “The Morning After Show” at ‘Famous Radio Live’ heard by over one million listeners a year in 13 countries! Beck G now houses her radio talents at Wu World Radio where she co-hosts The Vinyl Word. She is a captivating & inspiring motivational speaker with a jovial, passionate, and energetic personality.
Beck G is a Norfolk native who was the lead singer in a four-girl A cappella singing group called “Elegant Harmony.” They won Teddy Riley's first talent show in Virginia in the '90s and were featured on BET. Beck G is the proud founder and principal of Beck's Management, her SWAM-certified, public relations & marketing firm. Her company's niche is working with entertainment, events, and entrepreneurs. She has a unique knack for branding, networking, creating opportunities, building relationships, and professionalism. As the chief publicist, her mission to help her clients realize their greatest goals. She was also the PR Director and the award-winning radio personality for her own top rated, Saturday morning show “The Morning After Show” at ‘Famous Radio Live’ heard by over one million listeners a year in 13 countries! Beck G now houses her radio talents at Wu World Radio where she co-hosts The Vinyl Word. She is a captivating & inspiring motivational speaker with a jovial, passionate, and energetic personality.
AFROFUTURISM: Holiday Music Culture - Maestro Dunn Pearson
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Event by Virginia African American Cultural Center - "AFROFUTURISM: Holiday Music Culture," is sure to be a treat for all ages. He will present a "behind the music" journey into the multicultural arrangements of holiday music and beyond throughout history. He has worked with artists like the O’Jays, Stephanie Mills, Roy Ayers, Gerald Levert, Stevie Wonder, and the list goes on. He has produced the musical content for McDonald's' and Wendy's commercials arranged scores for television and Broadway. Dunn has written and arranged the theme scores for TV shows and movies like New York Undercover and the HBO movie Head Office. Enjoy an interview with the Maestro, and your live comments will become part of the discussion!
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The artwork and the artist - Mr. René Dickerson
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Join VAACC for an evening with the talented René Dickerson. René will discuss and demonstrate his artistic process, which can only be described as his genius. Hidden within his art is always a surprise, something more to see. His art and story are inspiring, and his passion contagious. René's art has allowed him the opportunity to give back to various foundations and non-profits through fundraisers. His generosity offers opportunities for others to fulfill their dreams and achieve their goals. René will complete and offer one of his works of art in a silent auction conducted during his Masterpiece presentation. Don't miss your opportunity to become a René Dickerson collector.
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Mosaic Steel Pan - From Outcast to Outstanding :
Dr. Anthony Hailey
The Virginia African American Cultural Center presents from Outcast to Outstanding. Dr. Anthony Hailey, our 1st featured artist, is the President/CEO, performer, and instructor of the internationally known Mosaic Steel Orchestra. He will have a brief exposé of his work and explain the processes, that make a project actualize from Concept to Performance. This will be followed by a Q and A through Chat. Come relax, move, and enjoy the melodious sounds & infectious rhythms of the steel drums!
"From Outcast to Outstanding: Shape Your Dreams from Concept to Completion". 2020 has been quite a tumultuous year of racial unrest, economic inequity, police brutality, and social and systemic racism. An area that transcends color and racial lines is the Arts, the aesthetic nature of this medium is related to every ethnicity and we can all learn something new. Knowledge is power and many of our marginalized communities do not get the opportunity to expose these genres and fully understand the power of the arts. These artists agreed to share their talents with us to give back to the community.
"From Outcast to Outstanding: Shape Your Dreams from Concept to Completion". 2020 has been quite a tumultuous year of racial unrest, economic inequity, police brutality, and social and systemic racism. An area that transcends color and racial lines is the Arts, the aesthetic nature of this medium is related to every ethnicity and we can all learn something new. Knowledge is power and many of our marginalized communities do not get the opportunity to expose these genres and fully understand the power of the arts. These artists agreed to share their talents with us to give back to the community.