The 3Sixty Concert Series is back again bringing you some incredible performances during our 10th Anniversary Season! First up is "Be'La Dona". This incredible Go-Go band is one of the hottest acts in Washington DC. You can see them live with a special guest opener on November 9th, 2018. Grab your tickets today!

About Be’la Dona \, bel-e-‘dan-e \ n [It ,beautiful lady]

Washington DC is the birthplace of this exciting and diverse all-female band. The high-energy concert style presentation and dynamic musicianship exuded on stage is the selling point of this group of Local unsung heroes. Be’la Dona is currently the hottest act in Washington DC. Their unique style of Funk, Jazz, R&B and Rock command an impressive drawing power attracting many beloved fans and local promoters. Individually, each band member has toured with various national artists such as Nile Rodgers (Chic),Pieces of a Dream, Chaka Khan, Chuck Brown, High Five, EU, Salt & Pepa, Stephanie Mills, Michael Bolton, Elton John and many others.

Be’la Dona has also been in the forefront as a group, backing up artists such as Erykah Badu, Vivian Green,Avery Sunshine, KeKe Wyatt, Algebra, Melanie Fiona, Estelle, Rah Digga, Lil Mama, Goapole, Marsha Ambrosious, Chico DeBarge, Chrisette Michele, Howard Hewett, Case, Lyfe Jennings, Tony Terry, Tanya Blount and Chuck Brown.
Be'la Dona is also The Official "2011 Black Girls Rock" Tour Band founded by Beverly Bond.

This talented group of ladies has been awarded 2009 GoGo Award for "Best Up and Coming Band". 2010 WAMA Award for "Best Urban Contemporary Group and 2011, 2012, 2014 & 2015 WAMA Award for "Best GoGo/Duo Group" and 2014 & 2015 Titan Award for "Best Female Band/Duo Group.
"Sweet Cherie", the Musical Director of the band has been awarded WAMA Awards for "Instrumentalist of the Year" for 6 consecutive years. Also the Be'la Ladies have been nominated for two DMV Awards and many other awards.

This band just seems to have the magic formula: Musicianship, showmanship, high-energy stage performance, leadership, beauty, and integrity, which explain their drawing power. Be’la Dona captivates the crowd, keeps them excited all night long screaming for more and returning week after week. Many local promoters love to book them because of their crowd-pleasing ability especially during the recent festival season.

Returning to Downing-Gross is one of the first performers to ever bring a production to the Ella Fitzgerald Theater Stage. We are honored to have the incredible performer, playwright, actor, director, and creator - Mike Wiley. His one-man shows have been enthralling audiences all across the country and we are excited to have him return!

ABOUT THE SHOW:

May 24, 1961 was the day 19-year-old Jean Thompson’s father had prepared her for her entire life. “My parents always talked about the injustice of segregation, but they were optimistic; they didn’t feel like it was going to last forever,” Thompson recalled. “They raised us to be ready. I remember my dad saying the day will come, and when it does, you should be ready.”

On that day, she boarded a Trailways bus in Montgomery, Alabama with 11 other young Freedom Riders bound for New Orleans – and history. Within three months, approximately 300 other riders took up the mantle to desegregate buses, following the path of the first brave few. Mobs bloodily assaulted many. Others were arrested shining a light on a brutal, segregated South. Breach of Peace is based on true accounts of surviving participants of the Freedom Rides as well as many other individuals involved in the early struggle for African-American equality.

This solo-play is a living monument to those remarkable young men and women of various races, religions and backgrounds who rose to face the dangers of fighting for just and equal treatment for all.

Join us for an incredible evening of gospel music starring DaNell Daymon and Greater Works. This incredible choir gained a massive following after appearing on season 12 of America's Got Talent. Now you can see them live along with the powerhouse vocalist and evangelist, LaShun Pace of The Anointed Pace Sisters. Tickets are $20 and are available now!

About the Artists:

DaNell Daymon & Greater Works

DaNell Daymon and Greater Works is a national award-winning choir that has been in existence for 7 years. The Greater Works Choir, under the direction of acclaimed musical artist, composer and producer DaNell Daymon, is dedicated to connecting the spiritual and the natural vocal gift through musical execution. 

The Choir’s members live throughout the U.S. and have travelled from across the country to perform for you tonight.  The Choir has won multiple awards and recently appeared on NBC’s hit show “America’s Got Talent” where they were finalist and earned a standing ovation from the judges and audience.

 Their song stylings mix traditional gospel, hand-clapping, foot-stomping melodies with contemporary pop music. Above all Greater Works brings a message of hope and joy for all. Prepare to be blessed by Danell Daymon and Greater Works.

LaShun Pace

LaShun Pace is an award winning, singer, songwriter, actress and evangelist with a career that has spanned over 35 years.

Born in Atlanta, Georgia and raised in a small community called Poole Creek, Lashun first emerged during the mid-1970s, performing alongside her siblings in the group The Anointed Pace Sisters (Duranice, Phyllis, June, Melonda, Dejuaii, Leslie, Latrice, and Lydia). Her singing and ministering skills were further honed while she toured with the Rev. Gene Martin and the Action Revival Team, and in 1980’s she begin to capture national attention with appearances on recordings with the legendary Edwin Hawkins, The Georgia Mass Choir, and Dr. Jonathan Greer and the Cathedral of Faith Church of God in Christ Choir. The Savoy Records label signed her as a solo artist and in 1991 she issued her debut, He Lives, which reached the number two spot on the Billboard gospel charts and featured her signature song "I Know I've Been Changed". She also enjoys a career as an actress, most notably co-starring as the Angel of Mercy in the 1992 Steve Martin film Leap of Faith and later in The Fighting Temptations with Beyonce Knowles & Cuba Gooding, Jr. LaShun has also starred in numerous theatrical performances including Tyler Perry’s “I Know I’ve Been Changed” and David Talbert’s “A Fool and His Money”.

LaShun is a noted author penning an autobiography in 2003 entitled For My Good but for His Glory in which she offered a transparent view into her life’s struggles and triumphs.  

LaShun has been recognized by peers and fans alike during her career winning, a Stellar, Soul Train Lady of Soul, Gospel Choice, and Gospel Music Workshop of America Excellence Awards. In 2007 Lashun was inducted into the Christian Music Hall of Fame and in 2015 was honored by the performing rights organization BMI with the Trailblazer of Gospel Music award for her career achievements.

Lashun Pace remains consistent and committed to excellence in ministry and her calling, as she continues to use her powerful voice to take the Gospel of Jesus Christ to the nations.

We are very happy to welcome a fan-favorite back to the Ella Fitzgerald Theater Stage! Returning to Hampton Roads is Kindred the Family Soul. This married duo out of Philadelphia is an incredible neo-soul pairing, best known for their song: Far Away. 

 Opening for the couple will be our fan-favorites from our recent SKILLS Talent Show: La'Niya Barrett and Kaya Faith O'Brien James. These two young ladies received the most audience votes during our competition and they are super excited to perform. 

Tickets are only $25 and are available now! 

About Kindred the Family Soul

Kindred The Family Soul is simply Aja Graydon and Fatin Dantzler; artists, songwriters, lovers, family. Both got their start as teenagers. Fatin producing his first released material with Bell Biv Devoe at 17 and Aja recieving her first recording contract from Delicious Vinyl at 14, these two “grew up” in the record business. In 1997 they were introduced via hip hop band, The Roots, production camp. Fatin was a hired gun to write songs for Aja’s solo project at the time. By the fall of 1998 they became husband and wife and while assuming the roles of a new couple and new parents, Fatin took a job selling appliances and Aja became a homemaker caring for their first born, Aquil. After being unexpectedly let go from his job the couple contemplated the future. They'd developed a strong creative chemistry for Aja’s solo project so they decided to try performing as a team and Kindred The Family Soul was born.

Performing weekly at the famed “Black Lily” showcase at a small club called The Five Spot, Kindred developed a reputation for electric live performances featuring a 10 piece band. Hustling parents of a toddler by day and ripping stages by night. This amazing event would, along with Kindred, foster careers from the likes of Jazmine Sullivan, Floetry, Jaguar Wright, Musiq Soulchild and a host of others. A regular patron/performer at the Lily was Jill Scott. She was close to releasing her classic first album and decided to introduce the president of her then label, Hidden Beach, to her friends Aja and Fatin. This introduction would change everything.

In 2003 Kindred The Family Soul released their debut album Surrender to Love. “ Far Away” and “Stars” both became top ten urban adult contemporary hits and anthems for lovers everywhere. The album recieved a Soul Train Award and a BET Award nomination. The group began producing events and showcasing new talent as well. One such event was “The Upper Room” featuring a then unknown, John Legend and Jazmine Sullivan. All after welcoming their 2nd child Diya into the world.

Their second album, “In this Life Together” was released in 2005. The project's lead Single “Where Would I Be (The Question)” was a wonderful follow up hitting top 10 on urban AC radio and boasted crowd favorite, “Woman First”, an anthem addressing the sacrifices of women for their family and relationships. The second album solidifies Kindred The Family Soul as a voice for families and couples. Presenting a needed image of “Black Love” in an industry that rarely highlights it. Just prior to its release they would welcome their 3rd child, Nina.

The 3rd album,The Arrival, was released in 2008. Singles like “House of Love” and “Just the Way You Are” continued the tradition of celebrating love and fortitude. Kindred began producing their own music videos and both songs were known for their touching visual stories. Both were mainstays on VH1 Soul and Centric. The title,“The Arrival” was a nod to the birth of the couples set of twin girls, Lanaa and Ain.

2009 was a year of great change. The first black president was in the midst of his first term. The country was in a financial slump and the group found itself without a label deal. Kindred The Family Soul began documenting their journey through this climate of change in a web series called “Six Is It!”, named jokingly about expecting their sixth and final child, a boy. Deen.

In 2011 they released their first album with Purpose/Shinachie records, “Love Has No
Recession”. An album about triumph over adversity and the enduring power of love. Critically acclaimed and compared in intent to the classic, “What's Going On?”. The album featured single “Magic” and “You Got Love” a surprising collaboration with Snoop Dogg offering a sixteen bar verse about his love for his wife. The group also founded a media company, The Media Shack and produced and directed 5 music videos for the album. They also continued to produce the web series for 3 more seasons.

2013 Kindred digitally released a live album to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the release of their debut album Surrender To Love. It was a rare recording of the group live in London performing every song on the the then, just released album.

The 5th album, simply called “A Couple Friends” was released in 2014. Kindred along with Shinachie records produced a short film directed by hometown friend Jamal Hill, to accompany this album. The film follows the story of couples connected to Kindred The Family Soul and how they move through their challenges with love and friendship as the anchor. The group also wrote their first children's book, “Mama said, “Clean Up!”” based on a freestyle song performed by all their children and featured on the album.

2014 also ushered in a commitment to community. Kindred The Family Soul began producing two annual events in their hometown of Philadelphia. Kindred The Family Games and Kindred The Family Reunion, both free to the public.

In Spring of 2015 they received an opportunity to be a part of a national commercial for Walmart. Highlighting the culture of the family reunion, Kindred The Family Soul and all six of their children were featuring during a summer long campaign. The commercial received over a million hits on YouTube and is still of the most watched ads ever produced by the retail giant.

This fall, Kindred will be releasing their 6th studio album titled Legacy of Love. The lead single has already hit number 1 on soul charts in the UK and top 40 on AC charts here in the States. Considered timely and needed the single titled ,”All my People” paints a vision of equality, peace and unity.

You can find Kindred The Family Soul on social media @kindredthefam and
@kindredthewife @kindredshows
On Facebook at Kindred The Family Soul and
Kindred The Family Games
Visit Kindredthefamilysoul.com for more information.

Join us on October 13th and have all of your questions about Downing-Gross Cultural Arts Center answered! Our annual free open house begins at 1:00 PM and will be a birthday bash celebrating our very special 10th anniversary season! There will be fun for all ages including face painting, a balloon artist, performances from Dreams in Motion Dance Studio and Mosaic Steel Drum Ensemble, arts and crafts, a dance workshop, and plenty of music and light refreshments. You can also participate in our scavenger hunt to learn more about what Downing-Gross can offer you. If you complete the scavenger hunt, your name will be entered in a raffle to win TWO FREE TICKETS to our 10th Anniversary Concert Starring Kindred the Family Soul, starting at 8:00 PM that same day! RSVP is not required but is appreciated!

For questions, contact downing-gross@nnva.gov or call 757-247-8950.

Join us for part three of this three-part concert series, brought to you by the City of Newport News Parks, Recreation, and Tourism Department. We are excited to have a performance from The Unifics! This concert is free and open to the public. As the sun sets earlier in the afternoon, this show will begin at 5:00 PM on September 22nd, 2018. For more information, please call 757-247-8950! 

Sponsored by the Newport News Department of Parks, Recreation, and Tourism, Downing-Gross Cultural Arts Center, Marshall-Ridley Neighborhood, and 3Sixty Management and Consulting.

This annual film event is back to acknowledge some of Virginia's leading independent filmmakers! Join us on September 8th at 7:00 PM for this free event. It is a great opportunity to network and enjoy the company of writers, actors, producers, directors, and film enthusiasts from Hampton Roads and beyond! 

On August 16th, 2018, the world said farewell to an incredible icon in music, Aretha Franklin. Join us on September 7th for a night celebrating the life and legacy of the "Queen of Soul". Enjoy live painting by acclaimed artist, Gerome Meminger, and incredible performances from Dreams in Motion Dance Studio, Queen Esther Marrow, and many more!

Though this is a free event, space is limited and tickets will be scanned. Tickets no longer guarantee entry after 8:15 pm on September 7th, 2018. After this time, remaining seats will be made available regardless of whether or not you were able to reserve a ticket.

LOCATED AT KING-LINCOLN PARK! 600 Jefferson Avenue in Newport News!

Join us for the final part of this concert series, brought to you by the City of Newport News Parks, Recreation, and Tourism Department. We are excited to have an opening set from BJ Griffin, followed by a performance from The Fuzz Band! This concert is free and open to the public. It begins at 6:00 PM on August 25th, 2018. Blanket and chairs are welcome! No pets allowed. No alcohol allowed. For more information, please visit nnparks.com or call 757-926-1400! 

Sponsored by the Newport News Department of Parks, Recreation, and Tourism, Downing-Gross Cultural Arts Center, Marshall-Ridley Neighborhood, and 3Sixty Management and Consulting.

Help us choose a winner!

We are hosting our first ever talent show to choose an opener for one of our national acts! The winner will be chosen by a combination of judges' tally and audience votes and will receive a $500 Opening Contract!

Tickets are only $5 and are available right now! 

The Annual Black Music Month Concert is going to be celebrated at King Lincoln Park this year, in conjunction with King Lincoln Park Day! Join us at 600 Jefferson Avenue on June 2nd for a day of fun, highlighted by our Black Music Month Concert. We're bringing the party to the festival with the incredible, Rare Essence! Bring the whole family out to enjoy some fun Go-Go music and the best part is, it's absolutely free! 

King Lincoln Park Day is brought to you by The City of Newport News (Special Events and Parks, Recreation, and Tourism Departments). For more information on the Festival, please click here!

Sponsored by

Lions Bridge Financial Advisors

Young Lady You Are is an event geared towards girls ages 12-17 in which they will explore the cultural and educational opportunities that their community has to offer. The goal of this program is to expose the young ladies of our community to creative and cultural avenues that will enhance their outlook on life, equip them to face opposition in a positive way, and become better women with bright, successful futures.

The event will feature an introductory activity followed by three, hour-long workshops. There is a dance workshop lead by Dreams in Motion Studio Owner and choreographer, Liza Infanzon-Smith. Local designer, Erika Randolph will lead a fashion/vision board workshop and a culinary arts workshop will be led by owner of Deliciously Done, Danielle Williams. The day will culminate in a presentation including a keynote address from motivational speaker, life coach, and children’s book author, Florenza Denise Lee. It will also include a panel discussion, and a performance from local poet Glo-Shines.

YLYA seeks to cultivate and nourish a warm, vibrant, supportive, convivial, and creative atmosphere for these young women to liberate their creativity and imagination at DGCAC, one of Newport News’s own “Hidden Gems”. They will be experience a network of both local and national creative talent that exposes feasible avenues to express themselves in successful ways- ways which would have otherwise remained “hidden” to them.

The registration deadline is March 26th, 2018. To view the women participating in this event, click here!

REGISTRATION FOR THIS EVENT IS CLOSED. ALL ATTENDEES HAVE RECEIVED AN EMAIL CONTAINING THE FULL REGISTRATION FORM ON MONDAY, MARCH 26th. 

On the evening of November 21st, 1934, a young dancer headed to Amateur Night at the Apollo Theater. Finding herself onstage as a result of pure chance, the aspiring dancer decided to sing instead. This is the story of Ella Fitzgerald.

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