Celebrating Harlem Stage : Featuring New and Archival Performances by Nona Hendryx, Jason Moran, José James, and More

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On Monday May 18, 2020 at 7:00pm, Harlem Stage, the legendary uptown performing arts venue will host an online premiere celebration on Facebook and Instagram in place of its annual spring gala. Due to the COVID-19 crisis, Harlem Stage is forced to cancel its in person event but is pleased to premiere a virtual event to be enjoyed by all arts and culture lovers.

The online event is a tribute to artists, activists, and creators, and celebrates Harlem Stage’s more than 35 years as an institution known for commissioning and presenting new, innovative work that reflects and responds to the complex conditions that shape the lives of artists and communities of color.

Celebrating Harlem Stage will be hosted by award-winning Broadway, television and film actor, LaChanze, producer, director, and award-winning actor, Tamara Tunie, and award-nominated, rising Broadway actor, Celia Rose Gooding. Hosts and Harlem Stage will be responding to live comments throughout the event.

Viewers can see new and archival musical performances by legendary rock star Nona Hendryx fresh off the heels of her multi-sensory WaterWorks commissioned performance at the Metropolitan Museum of Art this spring. Also featured will be jazz pianist, composer, and MacArthur Genius Jason Moran, jazz and hip-hop star José James, Harlem Stage WaterWorks artist, Jason ‘Timbuktu’ Diakité and other musical guests. The gala will feature special appearances by MSNBC host and anchor, Joy Reid, dance legend Bill T. Jones, stars of television and film, Claire Danes, Hugh Dancy, hip-hop pioneer, Fab 5 Freddy, star of television and film, Tate Donovan, among others.