The Attucks Theatre in Norfolk will host the “Arts at the Attucks” performance series this fall, featuring three free events that highlight local artists and organizations. The series aims to provide opportunities for the community to experience a variety of cultural performances in a historic setting.
The lineup includes “Sing Showcase” with The Norfolk Street Choir and Friends on Saturday, November 8 at 3 p.m., followed by “Soul of Langston” presented by Arts for Learning Virginia and the Virginia African American Cultural Center on Thursday, November 13 at 7:30 p.m. Registration is required for this event. The final performance, “Novel Noel: A Consort Christmas” with Norfolk Chamber Consort, will take place on Thursday, December 11 at 7:30 p.m.
Attendees are encouraged to arrive early to view “Black Voices & Visions,” an inaugural exhibit at the newly established Gallery at the Attucks. Curated by Joan Rhodes-Copeland, executive director of the Aspire Gallery, the exhibit features around 50 works from Black artists connected to Hampton Roads. The gallery opens one hour before each performance.
All performances are free and open to the public. Additional information can be found on www.norfolk.gov/artsattheattucks.
The Attucks Theatre was designed by Harvey Johnson, an African American architect, and opened in 1919. It gained recognition as “The Apollo of the South,” hosting renowned artists such as Cab Calloway, Duke Ellington, Mamie Smith, Nat King Cole, and Redd Foxx. Named after Crispus Attucks—the first patriot killed in the American Revolution—the theatre closed for several decades before being designated a historic landmark in 1977 and reopening in 2004.
