Madame Walker Theatre Center Announces Black History Month Events

Although the Madame Walker Theatre Center celebrates black history all year long, special events are planned for February 2013. The following programs and events will be taking place at the Walker between Feb. 1 and Feb. 28 (some beyond).

Stories about Madam, Every Thursday: Freetown Village will present one-character performances in the Madame Walker Theatre Center History Museum. The first performance was on Monday, January 21 to celebrate Martin Luther King Jr.'s birthday. Performances will be presented every Thursday in February (February 7, 14, 21, 28) in celebration of Black History Month. They will occur in the Heritage Center, 623 Indiana Avenue from 10-2. Performances are free and are open to groups and individuals of all ages. No RSVP is required except for large groups.

Red Lounge, Every Wednesday: The Madame Walker Theatre Center presents Red Lounge; an open mic/open stage in the Grand Casino Ballroom with a live band, cash bar and a different featured artist every week. The event is FREE with a 2 drink minimum and every Wednesday.

Jazz on the Avenue (JOA), Every last Friday: The last Friday of every month is an evening of jazz, dinner and a cash bar in the Grand Casino Ballroom. As the longest standing program at the Walker, JOA features some of Indy's best musicians and vocalists. Dinner is buffet style ($10) and is provided by a local caterer. Entry into Jazz on the Avenue is $10.

Soul Food Friday: On Friday, February 22nd, the Walker will again host Soul Food Friday! This fundraiser for the Walker Theatre charges $10 per person and builds upon the entrepreneurial spirit of Madam C. J. Walker as we highlight and patronize local, African-American owned businesses.

Know Your History Game Show: "Know Your History" is an event for IPS students in grades 6-8 on Feb 28, 9:30-11:30a presented by the Madame Walker Theatre Center and IPS. The event will feature a local improvisational comedy act to host the event. In a talk-show format, students will hear from notable African American figures such as Frederick Douglass and Madam C.J. Walker who will provide facts about their lives and legacy. After the talk show, the game show will feature 2 students to compete to answer correctly the facts that were just stated by the famous figures. Prizes will be awarded.

The Madame Walker Theatre Center, an internationally recognized National Historic Landmark, preserves and builds upon the entrepreneurial and philanthropic legacy of its namesake by celebrating the best of African American culture and performance arts, by nurturing youth through arts education and by providing a welcoming venue for arts programming and entrepreneurial activities for all cultures in our community and nation.

Find out more at www.walkertheatre.com.