Tim Dukes, a South Florida native, is playing this Thursday, Feb. 8, at the CityZen Garden in West Palm Beach. [Photo by West Palm Beach Downtown Development Authority]
The West Palm Beach Downtown Development Authority is celebrating Black History Month by showcasing young Black artists with its weekly Black Art Matters event at the CityZen Garden each Thursday in February.
Event Details
When: Every Thursday in February at 6:30 p.m.
Where: CityZen Garden, 400 Datura St.
Registration: Admission is free; registration links are below.
Featured Artists
Feb. 8: Timothy Dukes
Dukes, a South Florida native, is a versatile performer with a mission to make a positive impact on the world. A saxophonist, pianist, singer, vocal coach, life coach and aspiring author, Dukes approaches each endeavor with the intention of connecting with and influencing people. Register here.
Feb. 15: Von Archer
Archer, a hip-hop artist based in South Florida, possesses a culturally diverse style that has evolved and garnered success. Collaborating on tracks such as “Vassius” and “Elevate” with Doxamillion and scoring his own hit with “Viva a Sua Vida,” Archer has amassed thousands of monthly listeners on Spotify. He aspires for his music to embody excellence and convey a sense of evolution. Register here.
Feb. 22: Branndi Lewis
Lewis, a University of Florida alum with a degree in dance and dance composition, pursued the pedagogy program at the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, where she trained to implement the Horton technique in education. Embarking on an eight-year journey as a dance educator at Alexander W. Dreyfoos School of the Arts, she started as a guest choreographer and eventually accepted a full-time position. In 2022 she received an invitation to choreograph for the professional division of The Ailey School, resulting in the commissioning of a new work. She also led contemporary dance repertory lectures at Marymount Manhattan College. In early 2023, Lewis established her own dance education and mentorship program, Grounded WPB, tailored to provide dynamic dance education and mentorship to aspiring professionals, with a special focus on families in underserved communities. Register here.
Feb. 29: Jashua Sa-Ra
Sa-Ra is an award-winning performance poet, author, event producer, host, lecturer, playwright, teaching artist, graphic designer and musician. Actively engaged in his community, he has curated and hosted numerous events, including festivals, open-mic venues, showcases and slams. Over two decades, he has developed and implemented arts-infused curricula for kindergartners to university students, including special needs groups and correctional facilities. For more than 10 years, he has served as the artistic coordinator for the spring residency at the Kravis Center for the Performing Arts in West Palm Beach. Register here.
For more information about the events and artists or to view previous years’ performances, visit downtownwpb.com/bam.
