Norfolk “Arts at the Attucks” presents 10 free events in 2025 by our grantees, made possible by a special Norfolk Arts Arts Equity Grant awarded to select grantees.

February 23, 2025 6:30pm Ballet Virginia
“Heart and Soul”
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”, scheduled for February 20th and 21st, 2025, at Zeiders American Dream Theatre and February 23rd at the historic Attucks Theater, promise to be a moving tribute to a woman who shaped the dance world and inspired countless lives.

March 7, 2025 6:30-8:30pm TRS Kids
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.

March 8, 2025 TACA757
Watch for time details to be shared soon.
The Tidewater African Cultural Alliance presents: GHANA Taste and See!

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.