From Emmett Till To SNCC & Beyond: Words + Music + Art | 2026 Encore at Highways Performance Space

"From Emmett Till to SNCC & Beyond: Words + Music + Art" is a special live performance benefit on FRIDAY, FEB. 20, 2026 @ 8 pm to support the Highways Performance Space ("Highways"), that like many arts/cultural nonprofits has been impacted by drastic cuts to arts/culture funds. The Benefit is also Vol. III of Highways’ famed Emmett Till performance / visual artists collective series. The one-night-only benefit of live performance, multimedia and visual art presentations commemorates not only Black History Month’s 100th Anniversary and the UN’s World Day of Social Justice held every Feb. 20, but the Benefit will recognize that 2026 also marks the 65th Anniversaries for SNCC’s movement galvanizing Jail-No-Bail protests and the historic Freedom Rides.  Performances include the late Lifetime Achievement Grammy winner, Gil Scott-Heron's daughter, Gia Scott-Heron, star of the Off-Broadway production of "Gil Scott-Heron Bluesology".

THE “WORDS” | In addition to Ms. Scott-Huron, performing captivating original works at “From Emmett Till to SNCC & Beyond: Words + Music + Art” will not only include formidable pieces performed by real life history-makers SNCC member/artist-activist, Peggy Trotter Dammond Preacely (with her own Black History family ties) and Freedom Rider/artist-activist, David Crittendon, but powerful work by award-winning theatre icon, Brian Freeman; performance artist-director-choreographer, Joyce Guy (also a LA Drama Critics Circle choreographer winner); and stage stalwart, Babe Evans (wife of beloved late actor, Art Evans) playing a gripping character throughout the evening. Also in recognition a special performance by UN poet and UNA-USA/Los Angeles Chapter president, Shruthi Mathur. Also, compelling performance videos will feature revered multidisciplinary performing artist-writer, Paul Outlaw and celebrated L.A.-based poet, Pam Ward, a selected poet in the coveted Paris/LA 2024 “Literary Olympics” Catch The Mic program.

THE “MUSIC” | The evening will be infused with moving and electrifying live music, including: dynamic multi-cultural all-female voice and drum group, ADAAWE; L.A.-based popular singer-songwriter, Jason Luckett; and “Gil Scott-Heron Bluesology” cast member, Art.Us Mansoir, who will also join Ms. Scott-Heron for a music selection. The finale will be performed by revered vocalist, Lura Daniels-Ball, as well as a special musical homage by ADAAWE to the late Rev. Jesse Jackson, who recently passed away on Tuesday, 2/17/26.

THE “ART” | Highways is also honored that in the Highways Gallery will be select work by legendary artist, Charles Dickson; artist-activist icon, Candace Hunter; and renowned artist, Toni Scott; as well as by established artists Lori Antoinette, Robert Stuart Lowden and Marc Broyard...  There are also select works by Scott, internationally renowned Charles Bibbs and others in the Benefit’s Silent Auction going on now through show day. Click here to make your tax-deductible bid. In addition, the live program will feature the thematically gripping work by fêted artist, Hana Ward, digitally incorporated in a narrative for what will be an extraordinary evening of words + music + art. Speaking of the benefit's live program, the live performances are directed by “Gil Scott-Heron Bluesology” Off-Broadway director, Phylliss Bailey Brooks, who also directed Pam Ward's multimedia piece.  

"From Emmett Till to SNCC & Beyond: Words + Music + Art” Benefit is for ONE NIGHT ONLY at 8 pm on Friday, February 20, 2026 at the Highways Performance Space & Gallery at 1651 18th Street in Santa Monica, CA on the 18th St. Arts Center complex (the cross street is Olympic Blvd).  Free street parking, select free open lot parking and accessible by the Metro. Click here for tickets: $30/General Admission; $20/Students & Seniors (ID at door required); and $55/VIP with reception access.