Norfolk Arts continues their series of free “Arts at the Attucks” events in 2025 by our grantees, made possible by a special Arts Equity Grant awarded to select non-profit organizations providing arts and cultural experiences in Norfolk, VA and the Hampton Roads area.
Enjoy this video about the historic Attucks Theatre!

February 23, 2025 5:00pm Ballet Virginia
Heart + Soul
⚠️At the door seating!
📧Email: contact@balletvirginia.org
☎️Call: 757.446.1401
Ballet Virginia invites you to a celebration of the life and legacy of Lorraine Graves, a trailblazing African American ballerina from Norfolk, Virginia. The performances of “Heart + Soul” on February 23rd at the historic Attucks Theater, promises to be a moving tribute to a woman who shaped the dance world and inspired countless lives.

Saturday, March 7, 2025 6:30-8:30pm
TRS Kids present:
“The Juke Joint is Jumpin”
Take a step back in time to the soulful melodies and swinging rhythms of Lady Shadley’s Juke Joint, a live performance that takes the audience on a captivating journey through the rich history of African American music and culture. From the Harlem Renaissance to the golden age of jazz, witness the lives and legacies of legendary icons like Cab Calloway, Duke Ellington, Ella Fitzgerald and more as they performed on historic stages such as the Attucks Theatre.

The Attucks Theatre, often referred to as “The Apollo of the South,” was a sanctuary for Black performers during a time of segregation and racial oppression. It became a vital hub for African American artists to share their craft, bringing world-class jazz, blues, and theater as well as business spaces, silent film screenings and more to the community. Lady Shadley’s Juke Joint revives these powerful memories, transporting the audience to the heart of this cultural revolution. Through this dynamic performance, soulful storytelling, and interactive segments, the production allows viewers to connect with the stories and struggles of these trailblazers.

Sunday, March 8, 2025 TACA757
Afro MANIA “Ghana-A Cultural Experience” 12-3pm
REGISTRATION Begins 11:30am!
The Tidewater African Cultural Alliance and the Tema Committee of the Norfolk Sister City Association present a celebration of Ghanaian culture for the whole community!
11:30am – 12pm: Event registration.
12pm – 2pm: Enjoy interactive workshops on dancing, drumming, storytelling and crafts.
Taste authentic Ghanaian cuisine from Yendidi Restaurant.
2pm – 3pm: Cultural presentation of dance and drum performances from each of Ghana’s four regions along with a Ghanaian fashion show.
Join us for the whole event for a chance to win prizes!
NOTE: Children must be accompanied by adults.

Other upcoming grantee performances (ticketed)
December 6, 8pm
JC Foundation, Inc.
A Jazzy Christmas
A Jazzy Christmas Show featuring The Braxton Brothers and local favorite the Fuzz Band! This show will electrify you with the diversity of talent and is sure to put you in the holiday groove. Be ready to jam to Holiday classics and crank up the holiday season!

The Braxton Brothers, twin siblings Wayne and Nelson Braxton, are celebrated pioneers in the Smooth Jazz genre, blending memorable melodies with infectious grooves to create music that uplifts and inspires. Since their debut in 1997, they have garnered widespread acclaim with multiple #1 hits and albums, including their Billboard #1 Smooth Jazz Airplay hit, Catalina Nights.

They are proud products of public school music programs and credit the dedication of their teachers, who invested so much time in building a strong foundation, as a significant factor in their success today. Wayne says, “We believe that God puts people in your life along the way to help you do what you were created to do.” Nelson adds, “Exactly, and our music teachers were definitely examples of that.”

2024 Looking back at our 1st year:

We kicked off our series May 19th, 2024 with a performance by Studio 360 Performing Arts.
Now and Then Again

September 22, Tidewater African Cultural Alliance
TACA757 presented an engaging panel discussion about the state of the African Diaspora, followed by a cultural performance showcase!

October 6, The Norfolk Street Choir and Friends
The Norfolk Street Choir presented a SING Showcase.

October 17, “Polyphonic Story Slam”
Polyphonic Story Slam brought together several of our grantees on stage at the historic Attucks Theatre. Participants offered an intimate, behind-the-scenes glimpse into the heart of their artistic journeys as they shared their passion for art, dedication to the community and the challenges and triumphs they’ve encountered along the way. A project, that we titled “Polyphonic Culture”, made possible via a $20,000 National Endowment for the Arts, Arts Equity Grant was a series of 5 meet-ups attended by our grantees and other invited arts and cultural organizations that culminated in this final performance. Special thank you to Creative Facilitator, Patrick Mullins for leading our grantees through the series of workshops. Stephanie of the Norfolk Street Choir says, “The vision of this project was beautiful, the execution by the leaders was impeccable, and the camaraderie in the room each time we met was much needed and appreciated.”

OCTOBER 19, The I. Sherman Greene Chorale featured fellow grantee, The Virginia Children’s Chorus for an evening of song during “Voices United: Bridging Generations, Nurturing the Community”. Grantee Access Virginia also took the stage and provided accessibility services during the performance.

NOVEMBER 6, Tidewater Classical Guitar collaborated with the Norfolk State University Choir to present a special performance.

DECEMBER 7, Mosaic Steel Orchestra together with fellow grantee, TACA 757 performed with their various ensembles.
Their student ensemble expressed themselves through select songs presented in their own unique style, presenting a memorable cultural experience.

DECEMBER 11, Tidewater Pipes & Drums celebrated the ending of their 49th year by highlighting their talented pipers and drummers + students and commitment to education, performance and competition. Fellow grantees, The Boys Choir of Hampton Roads, Studio360 Performing Arts and Access Virginia performed along side their pipers and drummers in a unique collaboration. They also welcomed guests of the Virginia International Tattoo, Thistle and Rose Highland Dancers and Scotch and Rye.

DECEMBER 16, Norfolk Chamber Consort played for an intimate crowd in the ballroom.