Grammy-Winning Musician Alex Cuba to Play The Old Church for Black History Month

Other highlights include Jason Hill’s art show and Kingsley’s music showcase “Blacker the Berry.”

Alex Cuba (Robin Pedraja/The Old Church Concert Hall)
By Rachel Saslow

The Old Church Concert Hall’s Black History Month programming is in full swing, with a slate of musical and artistic events designed “as a reflection of identity, resilience and creativity,” according to the venue.

One highlight is the Feb. 15 Alex Cuba concert where the Grammy winner will bring his blend of funk, soul and pan-Latin influences to the stage.

“Everybody talks about how joyful Alex Cuba’s music is,” says Constance Bracewell, executive director at The Old Church. “He sings in Spanish and it doesn’t matter what language you speak—you feel that joy about him.”

Bracewell underscores the importance of the venue leaning in to Black History Month.

“The history of contemporary American music is integrally tied to Black history,” she says. “As a concert hall, it’s an important observation to make and we do it all year, but February provides an opportunity to really focus on it in a concentrated way.”

The Old Church’s Black History Month programming will all be held at 1422 SW 11th Ave and includes:

Black Mystery Month, starring local music collective Roman Norfleet and Be Present Art Group, presented by Albina Music Trust. Black Mystery Month will feature the poetry of Midnite Abioto and dance by Akela Jaffi under the thematic umbrella “Recalling the Mystics.” 7:30 pm Saturday, Feb. 8. $12.

Favorite Things, an exhibition by local artist Jason Hill, is at TOC on occasion of the venue celebrating its one-year anniversary of having an in-house art gallery. Favorite Things features regional artists sharing objects that mean a lot to them, which Hill then used to create portraits and short films. On view through March 2. Free.

Blacker the Berry, a celebration of Black music and culture by Kingsley, sort of a post-Valentines hurrah for self-love and empowerment. (In Kingsley’s words, the show is “for your first mirror twerk after heartbreak.”) 7:30 pm Friday, Feb. 21. $22.

A series of Portland Jazz Festival concerts, including appearances by Jimmie Herrod, Jazzmeia Horn and Jovino Santos Neto Quinteto. 8 pm Monday-Wednesday, Feb. 24-26. $25-$60.

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