Black History Month Events At Huntington Cinema

The O-jays

By Connor Beach
cbeach@longislandergroup.com

 Since 1976, every president has designated February as Black History Month, a celebration of African American history and culture. This year, the Cinema Arts Center (423 Park Ave., Huntington) will host several events in recognition of black artists and musicians. Information on each event is listed below, and at Cinemaartscentre.org.

Educational Lecture by Bill Shelley
Tuesday, Feb. 6

At 7:30 p.m. the center will host a lecture on classic soul music of the ’50s, ’60s and ’70s. With roots in the sounds of the deep south quickly grew out of the Memphis areas and took hold in the urban streets of northern cities like Chicago, Philadelphia and New York. The program features music from artist Chuck Berry, Otis Redding, Gladys Knight, The O-jays and James Brown who made soul music a part of American culture and part of the fight for Civil Rights and equality in the arts. Tickets are $11 for members and $16 for the general public, and the lecture will be led by Bill Shelley of Shelley Archives.

Vocalist Paige Patterson Performs
Friday, Feb. 9

Vocalist Paige Patterson heads back to Huntington with her musical program, “Musical Therapy for the Soul.” Music lover who enjoy Ella Fitzgerald, Nat King Cole or Duke Ellington are sure to love Patterson’s polished sound. Her collection of songs is sure to bring back memories of a “bygone era” and leave audience members wanting for more. Tickets for the 8 p.m. performance are $11 for members, and $16 for the public, and include a reception.

The Big Beat
Monday, Feb. 12

Fans of all musical genres or history should be sure to see the documentary about rock legend from the ’50s and ’60, Fats Domino. The 90-minute documentary, directed by Joe Lauro, recounts how Fats Domino, whose record sales were rivaled only by Elvis, morphed New Orleans blues music into a revolutionary new genre called rock ‘n’ roll. Fats Domino, who recently passed away in October, helped to unite young black and white audiences through music. Tickets for the 7:30 p.m. show are $11 for members, and $16 for the public, and include a reception with Lauro in person.

 Doll Making Craft Workshop
Tuesday, Feb. 20

A doll-making craft workshop will be held 1-3 p.m. Limited to 15 people, the workshop costs $11 for members, and $16 for the public. A 10-inch pre-formed doll to stuff, dress and decorate will be provided. All supplies are provided, but attendees are welcome to bring decorative items to personalize their doll.

 Gospel Music With Leon Jamison
Friday, Feb. 23

Join Huntington’s own Deacon Leon Jamison for a night of uplifting gospel music during his second performance at the Cinema Arts Center. Jamison, who has performed at iconic venues like Sweet Waters and Harlem’s Apollo Theater, is a member of the Evergreen Missionary Baptist Church in Huntington Station. Tickets for the 8:30 p.m. show are $11 for members, and $16 for the public.