‘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.
 

• Are you a part of #GivingTuesdayKC? It’s a global day of giving, happening right here in Kansas City! Donate to the Bruce R. Watkins Cultural Heritage Center and Museum. The mission of Bruce R. Watkins Cultural Heritage Center is to commemorate and interpret the African-American diaspora particularly in the State of Missouri, the City of Kansas City, MO, and its surrounding areas through fostering educational and cultural programs regarding the past, present and contemporary contributions of African Americans. Donate at http://www.brucewatkinscenter.com/ .

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.

In keeping with its mission, the Bruce R. Watkins Cultural Heritage Center recognizes African-American pioneers who made significant impact on the development of Kansas City, MO through their exceptional and courageous lives.

Nominations are solicited from the community. Nominees selected as pioneers are inducted into the Bruce R. Watkins Cultural Heritage Center's Hall of Fame during a special ceremony.  

Their personal histories are among the articles found in the Center's Gertrude H. Keith Resource Library.

This event is free and open to the public.

Angel Hands art Presents A Royal Night inspired by the Kansas City Royals

featuring original art by Savanna Williams, 8 year-old artist.

This year Savanna will donate all proceeds to pediatric cancer patients at St. Jude's.

‘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   

This is your opportunity to be a part of a great historical event.

We invite you to join in the continuance of the dream by becoming a Friend of the Bruce R. Watkins Cultural Heritage Center.  Your contribution will enable the center to promote local artists, acquire great art and major exhibits, expand educational programs and involve our community in outreach programs. 

With your help, the center will achieve its mission in the Kansas City Metropolitan area.

You can put a leaf on our Donors Tree of Life.  Your inscribed leaf will shine brightly among others in this exceptional category of philanthropist.

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

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

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.