The SIUE East St. Louis Center for the Performing Arts will present its spring production, “Arts Extravaganza” at 6 p.m. today (Friday, May 13) in the Multipurpose Theater in Building D at the East St. Louis Higher Education Campus, 601 James R. Thompson Blvd. in East St. Louis.
The production will include gospel, rhythm and blues and contemporary music from such artists as Sade’, Patti LaBelle and Kirk Franklin. A special tribute will be given to the late, legendary and matriarch of black dance, Katherine Dunham.
Some of the arrangements in the production include: “When You’ve Been Blessed” by Patti LaBelle, a lyrical gospel number choreographed by Performing Arts staff member Jamila Ajanaku; “Angel” by Amanda Perez, a rhythm and blues selection choreographed by Earl Wilkes; “Can’t No Grave Hold My Body Down” by the cast of the musical, Your Arms are too Short to Box with God, a gospel number choreographed by Performing Arts staff member Jack Williams; and “Black and Gold” by Sam Sparrow, a contemporary, modern/jazz selection choreographed by Performing Arts student Venezia Manuel.
Also performing in some of the selections will be students from the SIUE Head Start/Early Head Start Program and the SIUE East St. Louis Charter High School.
Ticket costs are $10 for adults and $5 for seniors and children. For more information, please call Theodore H. Jamison at (618) 482-6993.Â