Black Box Blackout events support our kids

Black Box Blackout – A month-long celebration of black creativity.

‘So much untapped talent’: Black Box Blackout celebrates artistic diversity.

Inspired by Black History Month, Kristen Warren has organized a month-long program of cultural events – including theater, stand-up comedy and opera concerts – designed to showcase the talents of Black artists. Black Box Blackout will take place throughout the month of February in the Eau Gallie Arts District.

“It’s important to me to celebrate artists of color and to create a space for them to tell their stories,” she said.

The event organizers want to raise a minimum of $1,000 for The Children’s Hunger Project. A portion of the ticket sales will benefit the organization, which helps provide weekend meals for elementary school-aged children.

Many may recognize Warren as a Melbourne jazz singer, and with Black Box Blackout, she hopes to provide opportunities for other artists of color.

One of the highlights of Black Box Blackout will be a studio production of Katori Hall’s play “The Mountaintop,” starring Kristen Warren and Mark Anthony Kelley, on Feb. 24-26. The play imagines the night before Martin Luther King Jr.’s assassination. After delivering one of his most memorable speeches, an exhausted Dr. King is forced to confront his destiny and his legacy to his people.
“The Mountaintop,” a play that imagines the night before Martin Luther King Jr.’s assassination, will be at Funky Dog Improv on Feb. 24-26. The play stars Mark Anthony Kelly and Kristen Warren. Black Box Blackout events will take place in the Eau Gallie Arts District throughout the month of February. Visit blackboxblackout.com.

Pam Harbaugh, the play’s director, thinks the show will resonate with viewers. “I believe audiences will be moved by Hall’s play, as we come away with an even deeper appreciation of Dr. King, his faith and his sacrifice to make the world better for everyone,” she said. “In it, we experience real human connection laced with moments of levity and, eventually, the glory of passing on the baton.

Most of the Black Box Blackout events will take place at Funky Dog Improv, 587 W. Eau Gallie Blvd. #101 Melbourne, Florida 32935. Aaron McFarland Karnes, the venue’s artistic director, was quick to offer the space for various programs throughout the month.

Events Calendar:

February 1 : Black Box Blackout Soft Opening
February 3 : Black Punk Rock Show!
February 5 : Sunday Dinner
February 6: Comedy Night
February 10 : Lo-fi/Live Arts
February 11: Onyx Opera Show
February 15: Film Night
February 18: The Writers’ Room
February 24-26 : The Mountaintop

SUNDAY DINNER: February 5, 5pm SOLD OUT

On this night, Plant-based Southern chef Constance “Maisha” and vegan pastry chef Uniqua will be presenting our guests with a 3-course meal representative of our African roots, while speakers Mike Roy, Kristen Warren and a representative from The Children’s Hunger project shine light on the pressing issues Black Box Blackout tackles through our month-long celebration of black creativity. Kristen Warren will be performing live.

Location: Funky Dog Improv, 587 W Eau Gallie Blvd #101, Melbourne, FL 32935

Comedy Night: February 6 at 7pm

Are you ready for a good laugh? Laugh, drink and be merry while established and emerging comedians take the stage for some good ol’ stand up comedy. Hosted by local comedy legend Philip Rivera.

**Online tickets $10; Door $12
Location: Funky Dog Improv, 587 W Eau Gallie Blvd #101, Melbourne, FL 32935
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Lofi/Live Art/Lyrics: February 10 at 8pm
Creative minds will come together for this special night of artistic expression, hosted by Faithful Hazel Walker, a legend in the spoken word community. Poets, lyricists, painters, and Brevard’s most talented DJ, THUMP CONNECT will combine their talents to bring you an unforgettable evening. Food by Chez Quan’s.

$10 at door. Location: Funky Dog Improv 587 W Eau Gallie Blvd #101, Melbourne, FL 32935

February 11: Onyx Opera Show 7pm-10pm

Enjoy a romantic 3 course dinner and a classical concert under the stars featuring Brevard’s finest classical vocalists and the Onyx String Ensemble.

Catered by Le Cordon Bleu Chef Kevin Johnson of Litzettes Cajun Bistro

The ticket includes entry to the show and dinner. You may select your protein of choice when purchasing your ticket.

Menu:
House salad
Protein of your choice**
Steamed vegetables
Mashed potatoes
Pineapple cake a la mode

Location: Eau Gallie Square, 1452 Highland Ave, Melbourne FL 32935

Special thanks to founding sponsors Kim and Bud Deffebach.

The Writers’ Room: February 18 at 1pm

We invite you to sit in and listen to a reading of an untitled, unfinished play!

This theatrical piece is a collaborative project written by prominent local actor and screenwriter Mike Roy, and Chicago based actress, dancer and playwright Andrea Wukitsch. This is intended to be a full length play. Following the reading, we will open the floor to discussion and constructive critique of the play. Coffee will be served along with refreshments catered by local baker Daisy Raymond.

Suggested donation: $5 at door
Location: Funky Dog Improv 587 W Eau Gallie Blvd #101, Melbourne, FL 32935

February 15: Film Night at Funky Dog Improv

The Mountaintop: February 24-26
Black Box Blackout is proud to present Katori Hall’s celebrated The Mountaintop, starring Mark Anthony Kelly and Kristen Warren. Directed by Pam Harbaugh. The 90-minute play examines Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s legacy as a leader of the nonviolent social and political civil rights movement while asking viewers to understand the positive and negative impact they can make on the world around them. After each performance, the audience can participate in a discussion of the play with the cast and director.