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Savanna Williams is a gifted child artist who has a desire to give back to the world. She creates various sized abstract artwork and uses her talents to share with others. Contributions from the purchase of her artwork will be given to West African school aged children in need.
Join us for a celebration of Women’s History Month featuring a reading and book signing with Dr. DaMaris B. Hill on Monday, March 25, 2019 at 6:00 pm.
Admission of free. Refreshments will be provided.
Join Kansas City PBS, the Midwest Genealogy Center and the Bruce R. Watkins Cultural Heritage Center and Museum for a special screening and discussion of the ground-breaking series Finding Your Roots. Local experts will talk about resources, tips and tricks to help you on your genealogy journey.
Genealogists from the Midwest Genealogy Center will help "find the roots," of a local public figure. The program reception is at 5:30pm and the program will begin at 6pm.
“LOOKING OVER THE PRESIDENT’S SHOULDER” is a play that will take place at the Bruce R. Watkins Cultural Heritage Center in collaboration the Black Repertory Theater of Kansas City, starting January 22 through. February 3, 2019. General admission tickets are $40.
ABOUT THE PLAY:
When Alonzo Fields accepted a job as a butler at the White House in 1931, his plan was to work there for the winter. That winter lasted 21 years. Based on the real-life story of the grandson of a freed slave, “Looking Over the President’s Shoulder” is told from the unique perspective of the Chief Butler who served four U.S. Presidents and their families: Herbert Hoover, Franklin Roosevelt, Harry Truman and Dwight Eisenhower.
For More Information Visit: https://www.brtkc.org/event/president-2019-01-31/
'Tis the Season Gala is our annual educational fundraiser that welcomes in the holiday season by showcasing local , national, and international African-American music, dance and talent.
‘Tis the Season funds are used to reach our youth by working with school districts across the Greater Kansas City area. The Bruce R. Watkins Cultural Heritage Center & Museum enhances student and community knowledge and understanding as we foster educational and cultural programs regarding the past, present and contemporary contributions of African-Americans who served to shape our city and state’s history and culture.
Support this educational fund raiser and experience a taste of African-American music and community!
Thank you,
Bruce R. Watkins Cultural Heritage Center & Museum Board of Directors
Holidazzle is our annual Holiday Children's Festival. We will feature a Christmas movie, holiday music, arts & crafts, gift giveaway, refreshments and a picture with Santa.
Santa arrives at 2:00 PM
For more information call (816) 513-0700
What: Charlie Parker Dinner Reception in honor of Kansas City Music Genius, Charlie “Yardbird Parker.”
When: August 18, 2018| 5:00 pm – 7:00 pm
Where: The Bruce R. Watkins Cultural Heritage Center | 3700 Blue Pkwy, Kansas City, MO
RSVP/ Info: Call 816-513-0700 or 815-513-0702
The Bruce R. Watkins Cultural Heritage Center will host a special dinner reception that will provide patrons an opportunity to view the Charlie Parker exhibit from the Sonny Gibson Collection, listen to a special live jazz performance, and hear from local leaders about the impact that Jazz Icon, Charlie Parker, left on the world.
The event is free and open to the public. To RSVP and to learn more about the event, please contact the Bruce R. Watkins Cultural Heritage Center at 816-513-0700 or visit www.charlieparkercelebration.com
Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Remembrance
50 years ago on April 4, 1968, Civil Rights leader and icon, Dr. Martin Luther King was assassinated in Memphis, Tennessee. To mark this historic day and event, the Bruce R. Watkins Cultural Heritage Center will be giving away life size posters of Dr. King to guests and patrons that visit the Cultural Heritage Center during the week of April 4, 2018. In addition, the Center will be showing documentaries and videos of Dr. King’s iconic speeches on Wednesday April 4th between the hours of 10am – 6pm.
Furthermore, as part of the ongoing Sankofa film series, the Bruce R. Watkins Cultural Heritage Center will be showing the film “Beyond Vietnam” on Saturday, April 7th from noon – 2pm. This film examines the last year of Dr. King’s life and his legacy.
For more information about the exhibitions/events, please contact the Bruce R. Watkins Cultural Heritage Center and Museum at 816-513-0701.
Sankofa Film Series at the Bruce R. Watkins Cultural Heritage Center and Musuem
Starting in January, 2018, the Friends of the Bruce R. Watkins Cultural Heritage Center and Museum will host a monthly film series that will feature guest speakers and community conversations about contemporary and historical subjects taking place in African-American culture and history.
The purpose of the film series is to spark conversations and ideas that can create social change at the local level.
The events are free and open to the public. Concessions will be available for attendees.
Location
3700 Blue Parkway Kansas City, MO 64130
Movie Time 12:00 pm - 2:00 pm
Saturday Movie Dates
Jan 13—Black America since MLK
Feb 17—Destination Planet Negro
Mar 24– Hidden Figures
April 7—Beyond Vietnam
May 19—A Tribute to Malcom X
'Tis the Season is our annual educational fundraiser that welcomes in the holiday season by showcasing local, national, and international African-American music, dance and talent.
'Tis the Season funds are used to reach our youth by working with school districts across the Greater Kansas City area.
The Bruce R. Watkins Cultural Heritage Center & Museum enhances student and community knowledge and understanding as we foster educational and cultural programs regarding the past, present and contemporary contributions of African-Americans who served to shape our city and state's history and culture.
Support this educational fund raiser and experience a taste of African-American music and community!
Thank you, from the Bruce R. Watkins Cultural Heritage Center & Museum Board of Directors.
Holidazzle is our annual Holiday Children's Festival. We will feature a Christmas movie, arts & crafts, gift giveaway, refreshments and a picture with Santa.
Santa arrives at 2:00 PM
For more information call (816) 513-0700
The SONGS FROM THE SOUL exhibit explores African-American ICONS in Jazz, Rhythm & Blues, Gospel, Soul and Rock & Roll while examining the relationship between music, history, and culture.
The featured artists in this exhibit include Ray Charles, Michael Jackson, Stevie Wonder, James Brown, Ella Fitzgerald, Tina Turner, Aretha Franklin Diana Ross and Whitney Houston, to mention a few.
Enjoy entertainment from local artists Troy Lee Sanders, Lee Langston and Paula Saunders as they sing selections from the African-American Icons featured in the Songs from the Soul Exhibit,
Don't miss a special Meet and Greet with the Center Director, Chiluba Musonda from 6:00 - 6:30 p.m.
*Free Admission * Beverages and Hors d'oeuvre * Business Casual Attire
Please confirm you attendance by calling (816) 513-0700 no later than November 21, 2017.
‘Tis the Season Gala is our annual educational fund raiser that welcomes the holiday season by showcasing local national and international African-American music, dance and talent.
Music brings people together and encourages a sense of community. African-American music expresses times of exasperation to tribulation; from happiness to suffering; from slavery to freedom; from defeat to victory and from discouragement to hope.
Music and song is an essential part of African-American history and culture; ranging from Negro spirituals, blues, ragtime, jazz, boogie woogie, rhythm and blues, doo-wop, rock & roll, funk, disco and hip hop.
Support this educational fund raiser and experience a taste of African-American music and community!
'Tis the Season funding is used to reach our youth by working with school districts across the Greater Kansas City area. The Bruce R. Watkins Cultural Heritage Center & Museum will enhance student and community knowledge and understanding as we foster educational and cultural programs regarding the past, present, and contemporary contributions of African-Americans who served to shape the city and state’s history and culture.
Examples of programs include exhibits, classes, dramatic presentations, poetry readings and storytelling. We also sponsor statewide youth projects and other cultural and educational activities.
Due to inclement weather our 6th Annual 'Tis the Season Gala is cancelled.
Holidazzle is a program designed to help our inner city youth and their families experience the joy and excitement of the Christmas Season. The program includes ; Storytelling, Hands-on Creative Arts, Visit from Santa, Holiday movie & refreshments, and more!
This event is free and open to the public.
Meet Savannah Williams of Angel Hands Art at the unveiling of her art exhibit at the Bruce R. Watkins Cultural Heritage Center and State Museum.
This event is free and open to the public.
The Friends of Bruce R. Watkins Cultural Heritage Center & Museum invites you to attend the viewing of the educational and enlightening documentary "Rising From the Rails" about the Pullman Porter legacy in America. The documentary running time is 47 minutes. Call the office at (816) 531-0700 to select the date and time for you, your group, your family and friends to attend. You will be glad that you did.
The documentary will be shown on Fridays, March 11, March 18, and March 25. You can select the 9:30 viewing or the 11:00 viewing.
This event if free and open to the public.
‘Tis The Season Gala’ is our annual educational fund raiser that welcomes the holiday season by showcasing local national and international African-American music, dance and talent.
Featuring Darcus : Versatility coupled with a unique musical style and natural vocal talent reflects the heritage and experience of Darcus. The warm chemistry that flows between her and the audience is indescribable. She has style, class, and grace!
Featuring The Kansas City Boys Choir : Choir participants come from diverse backgrounds from all regions of the Greater Kansas City area. This organization was built on the inspiration and vision of Founder, CEO, and Artistic Director, Mr. Ah’Lee Robinson, Kansas City’s own national recording gospel artist.
Music brings people together and encourages a sense of community. African-American music expresses times of exasperation to tribulation; from happiness to suffering; from slavery to freedom; from defeat to victory and from discouragement to hope.
Music and song is an essential part of African-American history and culture; ranging from Negro spirituals, blues, ragtime, jazz, boogie woogie, rhythm and blues, doo-wop, rock & roll, funk, disco and hip hop.
Support this educational fund raiser and experience a taste of African-American music and community!
Order tickets today at
Join us at our Membership Drive Kick-Off Reception and meet our 2015 Champions of Change.
Saturday October 17, 2015 4:00-6:00pm at the Bruce R. Watkins Cultural Heritage Center, 3700 Blue Parkway, Kansas City, MO64130
Savanna Williams is a gifted child artist who has a desire to give back to the world. She creates various sized abstract artwork and uses her talents to share with others. Contributions from the purchase of her artwork will be given to the West African school aged children in need.
Saturday, February 21, 2015
12:00 p.m.
A panel discussion focusing on the change of Music through the decades. The discussion will help youth to understand how music of the past influences contemporary music and the future.
Free and Open to the Public!
Bruce R. Watkins Cultural Heritage Center & Museum
3700 Blue Parkway
Kansas City, MO 64130
Call 816-513-0700 for more Information
www.brucewatkinscenter.com
www.cherrydzynessportsgear.com
Only $10.00 per person
Valentine's Day Eve Jazzy Cultural Affair - Friday, February 13, 2015 6-9 pm
Enjoy our Charlie "Bird" Parker: Jazz Saxophonist, The Man, the Legend & his Music Exhibition- in collaboration with Paul Mesner Puppets.
Dress to reflect the music. Dress in 'retro' 1920's, 1930's, and 1940's!
Live music and refreshments
RSVP at (816) 513-0700
Born and raised in Kansas City, MO, Lonnie and Ronald McFadden have traveled all over the world performing and representing Kansas City Jazz at major jazz festivals and shows around the world. Including The North Sea Jazz Festival in Holland and the Nice Jazz Festival in Nice, France.
The McFadden Brothers have shared the stage with some of the biggest names in show business; Wayne Newton, as opening act and featured performers in his show, as well as Sammy Davis Jr., Tony Orlando, Lee Greenwood, Gladys Knight and The Count Basie Orchestra to name a few.
They have played all types of venues from casino show rooms to arenas and coliseums including, MGM Grand and Hilton casinos in Las Vegas, Trump Taj Mahal, Atlantic City, Nimes Coliseum, Nimes, France, Rosemont Theater, Chicago, Lincoln Center, New York, Cerritos Center for the Performing Arts, Cerritos, CA.
They have performed for all types of audiences including most recently a USO tour to Kuwait and Iraq for our troops.
These multi-talented performers sing, tap dance and play trumpet and saxophone. It has been said that The McFadden Brothers are the Legitimate Link between the generation of Gregory Hines and Savion Glover.
Saturday, December 6
Noon - 4 p.m., Free
Bruce R. Watkins Cultural Heritage Center
3700 Blue Parkway Kansas City, MO 64130
Holidazzle is a fun Holiday Children’s Festival featuring a Christmas movie,
arts & crafts, gift bag giveaway, refreshments and picture with Santa.
Santa arrives at 3 p.m. For more information call 816-513-0700.
You are invited to attend a family friendly kickoff event!
Join us at the Spirit of Freedom Fountain, 4700 Emanuel Cleaver II Boulevard.
Celebrate 25 years of serving the greater Kansas City community through education, exhibits, performances and presentations of African-American history and culture.
Bring the family to have fun, food, and frolic.
There will be activities for the young and the young at heart.
Purchase special gifts from vendors.
Enjoy the music.
Enjoy the shows.
Buy some good food.
Celebrate!
Walk for freedom and to support education of the arts and culture.
