Bilal, photo by Andre "DreVinci" Jones

(MORRISTOWN, NJ) -- Mayo Performing Arts Center (MPAC) presents legendary gospel singers, contemporary visual artists, and a salute to break dancing. From the Blind Boys of Alabama to MPAC's visual art exhibit by Art in the Atrium, MPAC has a variety of events celebrating excellence in black artistic achievement during Black History Month.

Visual Art: Art in the Atrium presents Black Joy.  A reception will take place Wednesday, February 5 from 5:00pm – 8:00pm. The reception is free and open to all. Black Joy features the works of five artists: Rashida James, Kwesi Kwarteng, Therez Fleetwood, Serron Green and Meclina Gomes. “I am elated to bring together exciting, trailblazing, and thought-provoking artists whose work inspires and engages as well as spark deep reflection and empowerment,” says Wanda Croudy, Curator of Black Joy for Art in the Atrium. The exhibit runs from now through March 1.  Galleries open prior to shows, Tuesdays from 12:00pm – 2:00pm and by appointment. Free admission.

Concerts: Blind Boys of Alabama on Friday, January 31 at 8:00pm. For 80 years, The Blind Boys of Alabama have broken down racial barriers, soundtracked the Civil Rights movement, and helped redefine modern gospel music in the process. Through it all, not only has their music endured, but it has thrived, helping both to distinguish the sound of the American South and to push it forward through 20th century and well into the 21st. Tickets range from $47-79 (price includes all fees)

BREAK! The Urban Funk Spectacular! on Sunday, February 16 at 3:00pm. BREAK! The Urban Funk Spectacular! celebrates Hip Hop dancing. Featuring a cast of supremely talented artists from the world of “B-Boying,” “Locking,” “Electric Boogaloo” or “Popping,” Power Tumbling, as well as DJ-ing and Bucket Drumming, BREAK pays tribute to this urban American art form. Tickets range from $35-$67 (price includes all fees).

Bilal on Thursday, February 27 at 7:30pm. Singer-songwriter Bilal blends jazz, afro-futurism, classic soul, alternative R&B, rock, and even classical in his vocals and music. Known for his wide vocal range, work across multiple genres and magnetic live performances, he's been described by Earth, Wind and Fire's Philip Bailey as the rare singer who uses his voice like an instrument. Tickets range from $36-$58 (price includes all fees).

School In-Theatre Field trip Events:

Mayhem Poets - Monday, January 27 at 10:30am (Grades 3-6) and Tuesday, January 28 at 10:30am (Grades 7-10). Curriculum: Language, Poetry, Performing Arts, Drama, Current Events, Social Relations. Theatrically trained and comedically gifted lyrical virtuosos blend elements of hip hop, theatre, improv and poetry that leave audiences inspired and moved. Tickets are $10.

Jazz Reach presents: Stolen Moments: The First 100 Years of Jazz on Monday, March 3, 2025 at 10:00am. Stolen Moments is a thoroughly captivating and informative program that introduces audiences to jazz music's rich history and to the names, faces and music of some of its many masters, as well as the ways in which jazz has acted as a unifying force, bridging cultural, ethnic and economic differences both in the U.S. and abroad. Tickets are $10.

Mayo Performing Arts Center (MPAC), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, presents a wide range of programs that entertain, enrich, and educate the diverse population of the region and enhance the economic vitality of Northern New Jersey. The 2024-2025 season is made possible, in part, by a grant the New Jersey State Council on the Arts/Department of State, a Partner Agency of the National Endowment for the Arts, as well as support received from the F.M. Kirby Foundation, The Blanche and Irving Laurie Foundation and numerous corporations, foundations and individuals. Mayo Performing Arts Center was named 2016 Outstanding Historic Theatre by the League of Historic American Theatres, and is ranked in the top 50 mid-sized performing arts centers by Pollstar Magazine.