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A Guide to the 2024 International Black Theatre Festival
From festival highlights to new features, here's what to know ahead of the 2024 International Black Theatre Festival.
It's time to pull out your purple and black because the International Black Theatre Festival is almost back. Celebrating its 35th anniversary in 2024, this biennial event rolls out its signature purple carpet from July 29 to August 3, bringing over 100 performances to venues across Winston-Salem. Other highlights include a star-studded celebrity gala, midnight poetry slam, workshops and seminars, film festivals, youth programs, and the beloved International Vendors Market.
With several new offerings and features in the works, the 2024 festival is shaping up to be the most “marvtastic” one yet. Before the purple carpet rolls out, here’s a few things to know before you go.
New Shows and Familiar Favorites
With more than 130 shows on tap, this year’s show lineup includes a mix of highly acclaimed new productions and proven crowd-pleasers. Alexander offered a few highlights along with a reminder to purchase tickets ASAP. “You don’t want to wait until the last second, because many of these shows will sell out.” Ticket prices range from $10-$60.
- “Coconut Cake,” an award-winning play from NC Black Rep directed by Winston-Salem’s own Nathan Ross Freeman. It stars former soap opera stars Count Stoval and Nathan Purdee.
- “Twisted Melodies,” an immersive one-man tribute to musical icon Donny Hathaway that’s garnered nationwide acclaim.
- “King Hedley II,” written by famed playwright August Wilson and starring Dorian Missick (All Rise, For Life).
- “Nephew Tommy’s Life After 50,” written and performed by Thomas “Nephew Tommy” Miles, co-host of The Steve Harvey Morning Show.
- “A Motown Celebration,” a crowd-pleasing explosion of tunes and tales starring Broadway veteran and IBTF fan favorite Chester Gregory.
- “Float Like a Butterfly,” a one-man play that homages boxing great Muhammad Ali.
Free Events for the Community
According to Jackie Alexander, artistic director and producer of the IBTF, this year’s festival is designed to unite the community. “We want all of Winston-Salem to come celebrate with us, so we’re offering a lot of free programming to the public.” There will be shows tackling social issues, fun stage readings, a voter registration drive, fascinating historical exhibits, a youth talent showcase, and much more.
Here are a few highlights to note:
- Old School Block Party. Need to stretch your legs after spending all day in the theatre? Head to the Old School Block Party, a free nightly event in downtown’s Corpening Plaza happening Aug 1-3 from 7 to 11 p.m. The event will feature live bands, food trucks, and other entertainment. Complementing the Block Party is Teentastic, a free two-night event for teens featuring DJs, entertainment, games, and food trucks. It’s being held, Aug. 2-3, at the Winston-Salem Fairgrounds beginning at 7 p.m.
- Finding Holy Ground Project. In a first-time partnership with Wake Forest University, IBTF is presenting a free program called “Finding Holy Ground” which examines race, religion, and justice in America. The title comes from another catchphrase heard during the festival: “Black Theatre Holy Ground.” The program will include two plays — “Heritage” and “I Am… a Shepherdess,” — along with a concert, panels, and workshops.
- “Young Thang" VR Experience. Kids 5 and older are invited to Benton Convention Center on Friday, Aug. 2, for a free screening of "Young Thang," a virtual reality film based on a Nigerian folktale. Screenings will be from 11 a.m.-7 p.m. The film will also be screened the morning of Saturday, Aug. 3, in conjunction with a free family program and performance, “Telling Our Stories Through Poetry.” (Time TBD). IBTF is partnering with UNC School of the Arts to get virtual reality headsets for the screening. (Visit WinstonSalem)
What's Happening in July!
July 4-30
Winston-Salem Dash special theme nights. The Winston-Salem Dash will hold several special theme nights at award-winning Truist Stadium this month. Highlights include a July 4th celebration and fireworks show (July 4), a Marvel superhero-themed night (July 5), and "Dinos at the Dash" night (July 20). Game tickets start at $10. (Check out our WS Dash Gameday Guide for insider tips and more.)
July 12, 26
Downtown Jazz. 6:30–9:30 p.m. Held every other Friday in Corpening Plaza during the summer months, these free concerts feature some of the top jazz artists from across the country. This month’s concerts feature Eric Essex (July 12) and Art Sherrod with Lin Rountree (July 26). Food and drink vendors will be on hand. (And don't forget to bring lawn chairs or a blanket!)
July 13
Kaleideum After Dark: "Weird Science." 6:30-9:30 p.m. Kaleideum's monthly 21-and-up "After Dark" event is all about the '80s in July. Enjoy a movie on the rooftop ("Weird Science"), a "Stranger Things" laser show, karaoke, and more '80s-themed fun. Tickets are $20 online, $25 at the door, and include two drink vouchers for beer and wine. A cash bar and food truck will also be available.
July 13
Summer on Fourth. 6–10 p.m. Held monthly in front of Foothills Brewpub, these Saturday night street parties feature some of the region's most popular music acts. This month’s concert features party-band favorites The Phase Band, a 5–8-piece party machine that's most entertaining bands around.
July 13, 20, 27
Racing at Bowman Gray Stadium. 8 p.m. The 76th season of racing at NASCAR’s legendary “Madhouse” rolls on this month with three Saturday night race events. Highlights include a 100-lap Modified race (July 13), the "Night of Destruction Demolition Derby" (July 20), and a 100-lap Sportsman race + Chain race (July 27). Tickets are $12 for adults, $6 for kids, free for kids 5 and under. (For an insider’s look at attending a race, check out our Bowman Gray Racing Guide)
July 17
Picnic in the Park. 6–8 p.m. Come out to downtown’s Bailey Park for the monthly Picnic in the Park concert. This month’s event features artist Tupelo Crush with a style that combines rock ‘n’ roll and alternative country. Discover a variety of food and drinks for purchase at the food truck lineup. Pull up your lawn chair or lay out your blanket to enjoy a mid-week picnic. Furry companions are welcome on a leash. Outside alcohol is not permitted.
July 19
Movies in the Park: "Trolls." Kernersville’s summertime movie series continues this month at Harmon Park with the 2016 animated hit "Trolls." The event kicks off at 6:30 p.m. with food vendors, games, and more. The film will start at dusk (around 8:30 p.m.)
July 19
ART CRUSH. 7–10 p.m. Held every third Friday from April to December, this monthly block party lets you experience the Downtown Arts District at its best. Every month offers a curated mix of local visual artists and performers, street vendors, kids activities, extended gallery hours, and more. Best of all, this event is FREE to the public!
July 20
The Big Chill. 3–6 p.m. This annual ice cream-themed fundraiser in downtown's Bailey Park lets you sample a wide variety of homemade ice cream for free, all prepared by local organizations and faith-based groups. There will also be live music, food trucks, face painting, and free Cheerwine floats.
July 26
Mark Chesnutt in concert. 7:30 p.m. Country music great Mark Chestnut will perform at the Winston-Salem Fairgrounds as part of the venue’s Indoor Summer Concert Series. Local country singer Presley Barker will open the show. Ticket prices start at $30.
July 29-Aug. 3
International Black Theatre Festival. The 18th biennial event rolls out its signature purple carpet July 29-Aug. 3, bringing more than 65,000 fans and 130 performances to venues across Winston-Salem. Other highlights include a star-studded celebrity gala, midnight poetry slam, workshops and seminars, film festivals, youth programs, and the beloved International Vendors Market.
(VisitWinstonSalem)
Heat!
August Birthdays!
We wish the following members of Newcomers & Neighbors a Happy Birthday!
- Mary C August 1
- Sandra P August 6
- Dawn L August 18
- Kathleen M August 18
- Mary Lou C August 27
- Jan R August 29
- Nancy H August 31
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