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!

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 presents
Afro MANIA “Ghana-A Cultural Experience” 12-3pm
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!
NOTE: Children must be accompanied by adults.

Other upcoming grantee performances (TICKETED EVENTS!)
May 16, 7:30pm
Hampton Roads Jazz Incorporated
Tickets are scheduled to go on sale March 10th.
HR Jazz presents “Trio Jazz” Aaron Goldberg, Nat Reeves and Jae Sinnett
Aaron Goldberg:
Goldberg has collaborated with numerous jazz musicians over the years to include, Joshua Redman, Wynton Marsalis, Charles Lloyd, Gregory Tardy, Betty Carter and more. In 1998, he formed the Aaron Goldberg Trio and they released their debut album in 1999. In 2006, “OAM’s Blues” from his Worlds album was included as sample music in the Windows Vista operating system. Windows Vista sold over 88 million copies.
Nat Reeves:
For over 40 years, Nat Reeves has been one of the top bassists in jazz. His supportive and stimulating playing has uplifted a countless number of sessions and recording dates (most notably with the great altoists Jackie McLean and Kenny Garrett). He has lead his own CDs State of Emergency and Blue Ridge. Both as a performer and an educator, he has made a strong impact on the jazz world.
Jae Sinnett:
Jae Sinnett has been involved in jazz as a musician/drummer, jazz educator, clinician and jazz radio host/producer for the Sinnett in Session jazz radio show on WHRV FM 89.5 for almost 40 years. He has produced numerous jazz concerts and events throughout Hampton Roads featuring world class artists and jazz educators. He is the President of Hampton Roads Jazz, Inc. which aims to foster artful creativity, aesthetic and practice-based learning, cultural awareness, and community engagement through inclusive and diverse educational programs dedicated to enriching the lives of students and professionals of all generations, backgrounds, ethnicities, and genders.

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.”

Looking back at previous 2025 events:
We kicked off 2025 on February 23rd with Ballet Virginia
Heart + Soul welcomed nearly 500 guests for a celebration of the life and legacy of Lorraine Graves, a trailblazing African American ballerina from Norfolk, Virginia. The performances was a moving tribute to a woman who shaped the dance world and inspired countless lives. Watch a short video.

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.