Triangle Friends of African American Arts

Celebrate African American arts and artists in the Triangle!

Discover an abundance of visual and performing arts as well as cultural events that are a part of the Triangle community . There is something for everyone: theatre, music, exhibits, festivals, panel discussions, cuisine and more. Be a part of the exciting, vibrant, and engaging opportunities in your community. Check out the calendar of events here:
- Comedy
- Cultural
- Dance
- Drama
- Film
- Literature
- Music
- Visual Arts

Triangle Friends of African American Arts - "QuaranTune"

Are you missing the many opportunities we have had to experience live performances in the Triangle? Well, we have something special for you! Soprano Bianca Barragan will perform a song for us from her New York home where she is currently quarantined. Last year Bianca earned degree in Vocal Music from Vassar College and then won a scholarship to attend the Lyric Opera Studio of Weimar in Germany.

What will Bianca sing? Guess what, we get to decide! Just check out previews from her past shows and vote by June 26th. We will post her special performance on June 30th. Will you pick a song to make your heart sing or that pulls at your heart strings?

Highlighted Events

All of the performances and special events that we featured have been canceled. We are working on updating our site to provide you with suggestions for ways to enjoy the arts from the comfort of your home as well as an overview of wonderful events you can experience later this year.

Take care,

-Sherri Holmes
Triangle Friends of African American Arts Founder

Blog Highlights

Our stories are being told and we should be
there to see them.

I just saw The Justice Theater Project’s production of A Doll’s House and Playmakers Repertory Company’s Skeleton Crew. Both performances received rave reviews from audiences and critics. They both have great casts, unique sets and special stories about our community. They were both written by young African American female playwrights.

There is another thing the shows have in common. They did not have enough African Americans in the audience. It is heartbreaking to see such wonderful plays with African American casts and only a few of us there to experience them. In the Skeleton Crew playbill, there was a "Rules of Engagement" from the playwright. Here are some excerpts:

You are allowed to have audible moments of reaction and response. My work requires a few "um hmms" and "uhn uhnns" should you need to use them. This can be church for some of us, testifying is allowed. Please be an audience member that joins with others and allows a bit of breathing room. Exhale together. Laugh together. Say "amen" should you need to. This is community. Let's go.

It is clear who she was thinking of when she wrote her rules. She created her play for us. And we should be there. You know what? You will LOVE both of these shows! And your friends and family will love you for bringing them. And the actors, playwrights and theater companies will love that you were there. So please provide your support. I promise you'll be glad that you did!

By Sherri Holmes, Triangle FAAA Founder & Director

Photo by Bruce Depyssler

Like Us!