“Celebrating 30 Years of Black History, Culture and Art” is the central theme of the Savannah Black Heritage Festival (SBHF) scheduled for February 1-22, 2019. Cultural education and exposure to the performing and visual arts are offered for all ages and interests throughout the celebration.
 
Perennial favorite Cleo Parker Robinson Dance Ensemble returns to Savannah. On February 5, the dance company will hold a community workshop and master class. Register by calling 912-358-4309. The class will be followed by a public conversation with Cleo Parker Robinson at 6:30 p.m., First Congregational Church, 421 Habersham St. A school show for grades 4-9 will be held February 6, 11 a.m. Private and home-schools, call 912-358-4309 for reservations.

The premier Cleo Parker Robinson Dance Ensemble performance will be held February 6, 7:30 p.m., Johnny Mercer Theater, 301 Oglethorpe Ave. This show is free and open to the public; tickets are not required. It will open with the presentation of the 2019 SBHF Honorees: artist and professor Peggy Blood, Ph.D., radio host Kenya Cabine, marketing leader Cynthia Collins and SSU President Cheryl Davenport Dozier, DSW. This event is presented in part by Gulfstream, Georgia Power and Carver State Bank.

The annual gospel concert will feature Lamar Campbell and Spirit of Praise, along with SSU Wesleyan and Anointed Voices-Georgia Southern/Armstrong State University gospel choirs and the Savannah Mass Choir of the Gospel Music Workshop of America. The performance begins 5:30 p.m., February 10, Overcoming by Faith Ministries, 9700 Middleground Rd.

The Savannah State University Concert Choral, joined by alumni, faculty and friends of SSU, will present Songs of Freedom and Justice, February 3, 3 p.m., Butler Presbyterian Church, 603 Victory Dr.
 
Also returning is Bright Star Children’s Touring Theatre. In addition to a number of closed school performances, they will also present shows open to the public: “Black History Hall of Fame,” February 11, 6:30 p.m., Litway Missionary Baptist Church, 2335 Thunderbolt Rd.; “George Washington Carver and Friends,” February 13, 6 p.m., Tatumville Neighborhood Center, 333 Coleman St.; “Black History Hall of Fame,” February 14, 6:30 p.m., Location TBD and “George Washington Carver and Friends,” February 15, 4 p.m., Frank Callen Boys and Girls Club, 510 E. Charlton St.

Sons of Mystro, brothers and classically trained violinists, use their instruments to reinterpret reggae classics, American pop songs and their own compositions. Sponsored by Gulfstream, Georgia Power, Carver State Bank and the GSU Office of Diversity. The free and public performance will be held February 15, 7 p.m., Fine Arts Auditorium, Georgia Southern – Armstrong Campus, 11935 Abercorn St.

Lillian Grant-Baptiste, master storyteller, will present on the heritage of music, folklore and storytelling throughout African-American history, February 17, 5:30 p.m., Kingdom Life Christian Fellowship, 425 W. Montgomery Crossroad.

SBHF will celebrate the legacy of Savannah’s own Ben Tucker with two events. Tucker was a jazz bassist, composer, recording artist and radio station owner. The annual Future of jazz concert will be held February 12, 7 p.m., Jewish Educational Alliance, 5111 Abercorn St. Learn more about Tucker at a documentary screening February 18, 6:30 p.m., Beach Institute, 502 East Harris St.

Savannah State will also host two performances during SBHF. The Obsidian Dance Repertory will perform February 16, 7 p.m. On February 21, 7 p.m., the SSU Players by the Sea and the Concert Chorale will present “This Joint Is Jumpin’,” a tribute to African-American Broadway musicals. Reservations are required for the free performance. Email [email protected]. Both will be held on campus at Savannah State University, Kennedy Theatre.