The Update | Black History Through Dance Show; Paczki, Polkas and Beer Festival

YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio – “The Evolution,” a celebration of Black history through dance, will take place at 6 p.m. Feb. 23 at Chaney High School, 731 S. Hazelwood St.

Admission is free.

More than 70 students in grades six through eight will pay tribute to artists over the decades to highlight how music has evolved. The show will also pay tribute to ancestral roots.

The first half of the production focuses on slavery, said Michael Cotton, Chaney Middle School dance instructor. It delves into history, highlighting women’s empowerment and paying homage to Harriet Tubman. The second half focuses on music history, honoring artists such as Whitney Houston. Alongside the students will be dancers from The MAC Experience LLC and Solesque Studio LLC.

Dance has played a significant role in Cotton’s life since he was 10. Now serving as an instructor in Youngstown City Schools, he hopes to bring his passion and love for the arts to his students and provide them a space to be their authentic selves. 

“I realized that identity, exposure, authenticity and purpose will put you in rooms you can’t fathom or even dream of,” he said.

Packzi Festival Returns to Kravitz Deli

LIBERTY TOWNSHIP, Ohio – PolishYoungstown’s annual Paczki, Polkas and Piwo celebration will take place Tuesday, Feb. 21, from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. at Kravitz Deli, 3135 Belmont Ave.

Translated as Donuts, Dancing and Draught, the festival is the traditional “last chance before Lent” to enjoy some Polish food specialties.

These include the Pączki Royalty slider sandwich and a variety of paczki donuts in three varieties: rose hip jam, custard and the Paczek, which includes both fillings. The paczki are $3 apiece or $16 for a half dozen of a single flavor.

Cards and Comics Show at Magic Tree

BOARDMAN TOWNSHIP, Ohio – The Brothers Cards card and comic show will take place Sunday, Feb. 26, from noon to 6 p.m. at The Magic Tree Pub and Eatery, 7463 South Ave.

It will feature more than 20 vendors selling sports cards, sports memorabilia, autographs, nonsports cards, gaming cards, Pokemon cards, comic books, figurines and more.

“This is not a show looking to set sales records, but to bring the fun back to collecting,” said Billy Sunbrick of Brothers Cards.

Published by The Business Journal, Youngstown, Ohio.