VIBE Collective, in partnership with the Akron Civic Theatre, will amplify the voices of black artists in Greater Akron as part of “Blackout: The Artist Showcase,” Saturday, Feb. 23, 8 p.m. at the Civic Theatre, 182 S. Main St.
“Centering Black voices through artistic expression, that’s what Blackout is about,” said Jamie Keaton of VIBE Collective.
“Blackout” will feature local artists from a variety of genres, including poetry, theatre, spoken word, hip-hop, R&B and dance. This immersive experience is open to all residents and will reflect the community of depth of talent of black artists in Northeast Ohio.
Featured artists include: Josy Jones, Samson the Poet, Sharetta Latrice, Denzel The Artist, A-Minus, Jasmine Golphin, Ace Boogie, Latoya Favor, Briah West, Jason Blakely and Tyron Hoisten, among others. The event will also feature local black visual artists and entrepreneurs through vending opportunities.
“The Civic is pleased to partner with VIBE Collective on this effort,” said Howard Parr, executive director of the Akron Civic Theatre. “The artists showcased in Blackout reflect the level of talent we have in Akron and I think the community will be thrilled.”
“This is an event where we strive to center our pain, celebration, and our reality through the form of our artistry,” said Keaton. “It’s unfiltered, raw, life-giving, tear-jerking; it’s everything in our culture that we created and died for. So come out to the Blackout–Blackness is what we’re talking about.”
For info and to buy tickets, visit www.akroncivic.com.
VIBE Collective is a network of artists in the intersection of art, culture and education, who seek to create spaces for community transformation and healing. To learn more about VIBE Collective, visit www.facebook.com/VIBEcollectiveNEO/.
