The Update | Westminster Planetarium Shows; Black History Cultural Expo; Dancing at Top Hat
YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio – Mahoning Valley Historical Society is partnering again with the Greater Mahoning Valley 1619 Committee to celebrate Black History Month.
A Black History and Cultural Expo will take place in the Anne Kilcawley Christman Gallery on the third floor of Tyler History Center, 325 W. Federal St., downtown Youngstown.
The expo includes creations by local Black artists, a display honoring the National Council of Negro Women and the Ebony All Sports Hall of Fame – a tribute to local Black athletes.
Admission to Tyler and to Arms Family Museum, 648 Wick Ave., will be free to the public through Feb. 5.
The National Council of Negro Women will provide refreshments from noon to 2 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 4. The expo runs through Feb. 22.
The 1619 Committee is part of the 1619 Project, an ongoing New York Times initiative that began in August 2019. It is generally regarded as marking the 400-year anniversary of the beginning of African slavery in America. Helen Youngblood, co-chair of the 1619 Committee, said the group originally only planned to celebrate that year, but people continued to support the campaign and the committee.
Westminster College Planetarium Shows
NEW WILMINGTON, Pa. – The Westminster College Planetarium will present four shows this spring:
- “Stargazers of Africa” will be presented Feb. 8 and 17.
- “Fate of the Maya” will be presented March 1 and 10.
- “Amazing Astronomers of Antiquity” will be presented April 5 and 14.
- “The Navigators” will be presented April 26 and May 5.
All shows start at 6 p.m. The Westminster College Planetarium is located in room 116 of the Hoyt Science Center.
While the showings are free and open to the public, reservations are necessary due to limited seating.
Dinner and Dancing at Top Hat Theater
YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio – Top Hat Productions, 4220 Youngstown Poland Road, will present Dinner & Dancing at 6 p.m. Friday, Feb. 17, and Saturday, Feb. 18.
For ticket information, go to tophatproductions.org. Proceeds will be used for building maintenance and the addition of an LED sign in front of the theater.
Following dinner, guests can hit the dance floor, or simply kick back while enjoying tunes popular during the era of bobby sox, saddle shoes, sock hops and sideburns.
Entertainers will include Marlene and Jim “Sparo” Figley, Nikita Jones, Jessica Ludovici, Taeshawn Madison, Brian Palumbo, Brittany Storey, Rachell Joy Tupaj, Anthony and Julie Palumbo Villa and Tylor Zuniga. A live band will accompany them.
Works by Billy Gerard Frank at The Butler
YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio – An exhibition of works by Billy Gerard Frank will open Sunday, Feb. 5, at the Butler Institute of American Art, and run through April 23.
Frank will attend a reception Sunday from 1 to 3 p.m.
Titled “Eulogies and Palimpsests,” the exhibition features mixed media art.
Frank grew up in Grenada, West Indies. He is an artist and filmmaker, production designer and educator. His work deals with themes of migration, race, exile, global politics and queer post-colonialism. His films have appeared in the Berlinale and Sundance film festivals.
Frank’s art was also in the collective representing Grenada in the 58th and 59th La Biennale di Venezia (2022).
Acclaimed Violinist’s Quintet at Grove City
GROVE CITY, Pa. – Acclaimed violinist Jeremy Kittel is bringing his acoustic quintet Kittel & Co. to Grove City College for a Showcase Series concert at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 7 in Ketler Auditorium of the Pew Fine Arts Center.
Tickets are $20 and available HERE. Discounts are available for Grove City College employees and students.
Fundraiser for Ukraine at the JCC
YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio – The Jewish Community Relations Council of the Youngstown Area Jewish Federation, as part of its yearlong Israel 75 celebration, is holding a fundraiser for Ukraine.
“United for Ukraine: A Night of Ukrainian Culture” will be from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Feb. 9 at the JCC, 505 Gypsy Lane.
Participants will enjoy Ukrainian food, music and discussion. Andrii Isakov and Li Wang will perform.
The cost is $36 per person or $200 for a table of six. Registration is required by Feb. 6.
Register HERE. All proceeds benefit the Ukraine Crisis Relief Fund of The Jewish Federations of North America.
Works on Display at Weller Gallery
YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio – Mill Creek MetroParks presents “Moments in Time,” featuring works by artist Dr. W. Gordon. The free exhibit is in the Weller Gallery at Fellows Riverside Gardens through March 26.
Pictured at top: The planetarium at Westminster College.
Published by The Business Journal, Youngstown, Ohio.
