Welcome back to the February edition of our Community Arts Calendar. This month, we’re celebrating Lunar New year, Black History Month, Groundhog Day, Valentine’s Day and National Black Literacy Day.
The Recorder put together a list of a few family-friendly events, love-related outings and celebrations of Blackness going on in and around Indianapolis this month.
READ MORE: Julian Jamaal Jones opens “AMEN” at Wabash College
Saturday, Feb. 1
Community Sing: Celebrating the Black Experience — Free
Butler University is kicking off Black History Month by inviting the community to join together in song, celebrating the history and legacy of Black music.
events.butler.edu/event/community-sing-celebrating-the-black-experience
Joyful Solidarity, featuring Sirena Huang, Violin — $35-$45
Co-produced with the International Violin Competition of Indianapolis, Sirena Huang will jointhe Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra for an evening of unforgettable music.
icomusic.org/concerts/joyful-solidarity-featuring-sirena-huang-violin/
Lunar New Year Celebration — $10
Family and friends are invited to celebrate the Year of the Snake, featuring performances by the Chinese-American Performing Arts, fireworks, paper art and lantern making and fan painting.
eventbrite.com/e/lunar-new-year-celebration-year-of-the-snake-tickets-1131261917849
“Flex” by Candrice Jones — $15-$45
Candrice Jones’ small-town comedy play “Flex” is set in 1997. A tight-knit Lady Train basketball team in rural Arkansas is on track to win State, but off-court tensions may get in the way of big-league dreams.
summitperformanceindy.com
Friday, Feb. 7
“Color & Contrast” — Free
Opening the gallery for February’s First Friday, the artist co-op is hosting the opening of Mirvia Sol Eckert’s “Color & Contrast,” an exhibition highlighting the beauty found in both bright and moody colors.
fullcirclenine.com
First Friday Art Show, New Horizons — Free
Indiana Landmarks is hosting the opening of New Horizons, a group art exhibit curated by Indianapolis artist Clayton Hamilton highlighting Black history.
indianalandmarks.org/event/first-friday-art-show-new-horizons
First Friday at the Factory Arts District — Free
Enjoy live music and dance, food and beverage, explore wood and metal shops and shop for art as studio artists open their doors during First Friday at the Factory Arts North.
factoryartsdistrict.com
Stutz First Friday Open Studios — Free
Celebrate First Friday with the studio artists at the Stutz, featuring a night of open studios and locally made art, fashion, handmade goods and creativity for the whole community.
thestutz.com/events/first-friday-open-studios-1-zfzfj
Sunday, Feb. 9
Seeds of Freedom — $3
Asante Arts Institute of Indianapolis is bringing “Seeds of Freedom: The Spiritual Roots of the American Civil Rights Movement” back to the Indiana State Museum in honor of Black History Month.
indianamuseum.org/programs/public-performance
Monday, Feb. 10
JazzTalk: A Conversation with Don Was — Free
Join Don Was, a Grammy Award-winning music industry professional, for a conversation about his early years, musical collaborations and current tour as bassist and leader of the Pan-Detroit Ensemble.
thecenterpresents.org
Tuesday, Feb. 11
Guest Composer Anthony Davis Concert — Free
Composer Anthony Davis will perform a free concert for UIndy students, faculty and guests, featuring crossover classical-jazz chamber works and a baritone aria responding to the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre.
news.uindy.edu/events/guest-composer-anthony-davis-concert/
Friday, Feb. 14
Romance & Remembrance — $26.95
This one-night-only event captures the spirit of both Valentine’s Day and Black History Month as guests are invited to explore Benjamin Harrison’s historical home, accompanied by live music, poetry readings, a selection of wine and refreshments.
benjaminharrisonpresidentialsi.ticketspice.com/romance-and-remembrance
Soul in the Language of Love! — $30
Join Stephanie Allen-Stevenson as she shares the music of Anita Baker, Aretha Franklin, Jill Scott, Stevie Wonder and in a Valentine’s themed performance.
artsforlawrence.org/events-1/soul-in-the-language-of-love
Sunday, Feb. 16
Indiana Wind Symphony: Lift Every Voice — $22
A special concert honoring Black History Month and the contributions of Black composers with internationally acclaimed Soprano Angela Brown.
thecenterpresents.org
R&B Lovefest starring Jeffrey Osborne and Friends — $55
Butler University is hosting Jeffry Osborne, After 7, Jon B and Keke Wyatt for R&B Lovefest.
butlerartscenter.org/performances/jeffrey-osborne
Peanut Butter & Jam: Epiphany Dance Collective – West African Drum and Dance — $10 per child
Children and adults are invited to go an interactive journey of West African dance and music, learning the steps onstage alongside Epiphany Dance Collective.
thecenterpresents.org
Sunday, Feb. 23
Black Youth Author Fair — Free
In celebration of Black History Month and National Black Literacy Day, Indy Reads is hosting a panel for published young Black authors to share and discuss their works.
indyreads.org/event/black-youth-author-fair/
Qupid Pride Skate — General admission
Join Indy Pride for an evening of fun featuring skating, music, laughter and love as part of the organization’s Frost: A Queer Winter Event Series.
indypride.org/event/qupids-pride-skate
Please note: Admission and ticket prices listed are general and before taxes/fees.
Contact Arts & Culture Reporter Chloe McGowan at 317-762-7848. Follow her on X @chloe_mcgowanxx.