Month-long Black Box Blackout celebrates artistic and cultural diversity

Better mark your February calendar for Black Box Blackout, a month-long series of concerts, dinners, theatrical performances, art events and more, all honoring and elevating the considerable talent of Brevard’s Black artists.

Jazz singer Kristen Warren has been busy orchestrating the event, now in its third year. Warren, who recently sang original music at TED Studios NYC and TED Countdown London, has been singing since the age of seven.

In 2008, when she first started performing at venues such as Heidi’s Jazz Club, Warren noticed a peculiar dichotomy in the local arts scene.

“There was not much representation of Black artists, yet there is a lot of Black talent here,” she said.

She set about changing the situation through Black Box Blackout. Weaving a web of creative connections as a performing artist made the job a easier for Warren, who has assembled an impressive program for this year’s Blackbox. The event’s name nods to the flexibility and intimacy of Warren’s favorite type of theater, black box, and to its purpose to serve as a showcase the artistic prowess of local Black performers and artists.

“We are offering as many different experiences as possible,” Warren said.

From our archives: 'So much untapped talent': Black Box Blackout celebrates artistic diversity

Mark your calendar: 60 fun things to do in Brevard in February, from food festivals to murder mysteries

Black Box Blackout kicks off with “LOFI. LIVE ART. LEARNING,” a presentation about mental health that includes live music, plus poetry, discussion and live art. The event will be held from 7 to 10 p.m., Friday, Feb. 2, at Derek Gores Gallery, 1418 Highland Ave., in the Eau Gallie Arts District. Tickets are $10 at the door.

The following day, Feb. 3, “You’re Invited to the Barbecue,” a soul music festival where Warren will be performing, along with artists such as the Tomas Lopez Trio. Jessica Delacruz, Mosaic and Raspberry Pie. Tickets are $15 online and $20 in person at the door for the event, slated from noon until 8 p.m. that Saturday at Boom Squad Academy, 3610 S. Orange Ave., Orlando. Children are admitted free to this family-friendly day.

Go “Punk Black” at 7 p.m., Saturday, Feb. 10, at Pineapple’s in EGAD and enjoy the sounds of POC Punk Rock groups Hijas de la Muerte, Being Human, Over Anna and Dea and Saint for $10 per ticket at the door.

Chez Quan’s, 1470 Aurora Rd., Melbourne, will host a “Paint ‘n Sip” party with instructor Joy Hayes from 7:30 to 10:00 p.m., Friday, Feb. 16. Fee of $55 includes materials and Thai appetizers. Hayes is an Orlando based painter who is known for her stunning portraits, and every guest will leave with their own original painting guided by the expert.

On Saturday, Feb. 17, head to the “Black House,” a house music party from 8 to 11 p.m. at a TBA top secret location in EGAD. Admission is $10 at the door.

To honor the black settlers of Crane Creek, a Founder’s Feast will be held from 6 to 9 p.m., Sunday, Feb. 18, at Mango Manor, the Deffebach Estate in Melbourne Beach, where Chefs Ricarya Jackson and Keith “Chef KDJ” Denard Jones will serve a special four-course dinner.

Jackson, owner of Orlando’s Soul Kiss Events and Catering, was in the preliminary finals of “Master Chef.” Her clientele includes major corporations like Walmart and the New York Times.

Chef KDJ’s career milestones include sharing the stage with Tom Hanks, being featured on an episode of “Bar Rescue” with Jon Taffer, and participating in Michelle Obama’s Chefs Move to Schools program.

Warren herself, with the musical group CREEK, will perform live jazz during the dinner. Tickets are $75.

All good things come to an end, and so does Black Box Blackout, with a theatrical performance at Funky Dog Improv, 587 W. Eau Gallie Blvd., EGAD. Audiences can listen in to an imagined encounter between Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., and Malcolm X in “The Meeting,” a play by Jeff Stetson. Show times are 7 p.m., Friday, Feb. 23, 2 p.m., Saturday, Feb. 24, and 2 and 7 p.m., Sunday, Feb. 25. Tickets are $25.

For more information and to purchase tickets, visit blackboxblackout.com.

Whether you're interested in music, theater, festivals or other local entertainment, FLORIDA TODAY has got you covered. Support local journalism by subscribing at Special Offers - USAToday Network.

This article originally appeared on Florida Today: Black Box Blackout returns with music, art, poetry, food and more