On February 20, Fort Worth Opera will honor Ms. Opal Lee, "Grandmother of Juneteenth" with a special tribute at A Night of Black Excellence: Say It Loud - Songs of a Revolution. The company also announces exciting line-up of chefs and community partners.
Fort Worth Opera's smash-hit Black History Month concert returns on February 20, 2022, at 2:00 pm, at the 900-seat auditorium of Fort Worth's I.M. Terrell Academy for STEM and VPA, with a spectacular line-up of internationally renowned artists! This inspiring virtual concert was the most successful event of our 2020-2021 season, and now it's back by popular demand. Tickets can be purchased HERE.
Today, we are thrilled to share with you that we will be honoring Ms. Opal Lee, 95-year-old “Grandmother of Juneteenth” and internationally beloved Fort Worth social impact leader, with a special tribute during the concert. Ms. Opal has marched for years in Fort Worth and worked tirelessly for decades to make Juneteenth a national holiday, and on June of 2021, her life's passion came to fruition with a proclamation from The White House. FWO was excited to join her during that historic moment last summer, and we cannot wait to celebrate her once again this February!
Chef Derrika Chef Scotty Scott Melvin Roberson
Fort Worth Opera is excited to announce our official ANOBE Catering Sponsors, Chef Derricka, Chef Scotty Scott, and Melvin Roberson, owner of Dough Boy Donuts. Following the performance, patrons who purchased VIP front orchestra tickets for the show, will be able to enjoy an exclusive VIP post-show reception, featuring the incredible dishes and desserts from these acclaimed culinary artists. Guests will also enjoy specialty drinks and craft cocktails courtesy of Ego Tequila, owned by Fort Worth entrepreneur, Rikki Kelly.
Other ANOBE sponsors and partners this season, include Arts Fort Worth, the North Texas Community Foundation Fund to Advance Racial Equity, the Tarrant County Pearls Chapter of The Society, Inc., L. Clifford David Legal Association, Commissioner Roy Brooks and Dr. Jennifer Giddings Brooks, Emodiez Decor, Marie "Doc" Holliday, DDS., Ryan and Rainelle Krause, Keon Anderson, DDS., and Alpha Academy.
Co-curated and co-hosted by Metropolitan Opera superstar soprano Karen Slack and FWO General Director Afton Battle, this eagerly anticipated concert will feature rousing performances by renowned opera singers Michelle Johnson, Limmie Pulliam, Audra Scott, Karen Slack, Brandie Sutton, and Veronica Williams.
They will be joined by bassist Laesio Littlejohn, FWO Lesley Resident Artist Brandon Bell, FWO Studio Artists Lwazi Hlati, Prosper Makhanya, and Ndumiso Nyoka, composer & vocalist Jasmine Barnes, flutist Malcolm Payne, and virtuoso pianists Dr. Gregory Thompson and Joseph Williams. We are also pleased to announce that spoken word poet, artivist, and author Leslie N. Polk will be returning for this second installment of A Night of Black Excellence!
FWO's thrilling concert will feature Dallas’s award-winning David W. Carter High School Choir, the exhilarating Bandan Koro African Drum & Dance Ensemble, and Sheran Goodspeed Keyton Gospel Ensemble, featuring pianist Myles Tate.
Tickets are $75 (Front Orchestra), $55 (Back Orchestra), & $35 (Balcony)
$125 VIP tickets include seating in the Front Orchestra and exclusive access to the Post-Show Reception, featuring food, specialty drinks, and an artist meet-and-greet.
Tickets can be purchased online HERE, or by contacting Fort Worth Opera’s Box Office at 817.731.0726, Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday, 9 am–5 pm CST.
A Night of Black Excellence Artists
Top to Bottom (Left to Right): Karen Slack, Afton Battle, Jasmine Barnes, Brandon Bell, Lwazi Hlati, Michelle Johnson, Sheran Goodspeed Keyton, Laesio Littlejohn, Prosper Makhanya, Ndumiso Nyoka, Malcolm Payne, Jr., Leslie N. Polk, Limmie Pulliam, Audra Scott, Brandie Sutton, Dr. Gregory Thompson, Joseph Williams, Veronica Williams.
Become a sponsor of Fort Worth Opera and this historic concert during our 75th Diamond Anniversary Season! A sponsorship is a terrific way to link your business to a well-respected local non-profit with a reputation of community-minded work here in North Texas. Click the link below for more information.
Documents Needed to Attend FWO Performances
A printed or clear digital copy of a negative COVID-19 test result obtained within 72 hours (3 days) of the event for all patrons aged 12 and older. Printed or digital negative test results must be dated with your full name matching your photo ID.
As an alternative to a negative test, a patron can voluntarily provide printed or clear digital proof of full COVID-19 vaccination, with final vaccine dated at least 14 days prior to the event. Printed or digital proof of vaccination must be dated with your full name matching your photo ID.
For more information on our health & wellness protocols, please click HERE!
