EKU Center Celebrates Black History Month with Free Show Offer to Area Educators/Students

Richmond, KY – In honor of Black History Month, the EKU Center announces two new student matinee performances, Freedom Riders and Black Violin, both of which are being offered to area educators and their students at no cost thanks to generous funding by Ernest Matt House and Kim Ryser-House, an anonymous EKU alumnus, and the Friends of the Center. Freedom Riders arrives on Thursday, March 1 for two 60-minute performances at 9:15 AM and 11:00 AM. Black Violin’s 60-minute concert is scheduled for Thursday, April 19 at 10:30 AM.

“We are proud to welcome Freedom Riders and Black Violin to the EKU Center stage, and excited to offer this diverse programming to schools in the region at no cost,” said Executive Director Skip Daugherty.

Freedom Riders is the latest addition to the canon of American History plays by Mad River Theater Works. This new play, with original songs and music, explores the valiant and courageous personalities behind one of the most critical chapters in the history of the Civil Rights movement. Freedom Riders demonstrates the importance of working together to affect change and specifically how non-violent protests were used to focus attention on the cruelties of segregation. Recommended for grades 3 through 8.

Black Violin is composed of violist Wil Baptiste and violinist Kev Marcus, who combine their classical training and hip-hop influences to create a distinctive multi-genre sound that is often described as “classical boom.” Black Violin has shared stages with top names, including Kanye West, Aerosmith, and Tom Petty, and has creatively collaborated with the likes of Wu-Tang Clan, Wyclef Jean, and Alicia Keys. The band’s most recent album, Stereotypes, debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard Classical Crossover Chart and No. 4 on the Billboard R&B Chart. Recommended for grades 3 through 12.

Educators who wish to bring their classes to either of these two performances can make reservations online at EKUCenter.com or by calling the EKU Center box office at 859-622-7469. Study guides for both performances are also located at the venue’s website.

For tickets and more information, visit EKUCenter.com.

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