Harlem Grooves (Secondary)
Fascinating Rhythms!
Experience the vibrant pulse of the Harlem Renaissance through an immersive multimedia performance. Tap your feet to the legendary sounds of Louis Armstrong, Fats Waller, Billie Holiday, and Cab Calloway, and relive the era when Duke Ellington’s infectious rhythms dominated the airwaves.“Hold fast to your dreams, for without them life is a broken winged bird that cannot fly.”
Langston Hughes
- Celebrate Cultural Icons: You will experience the “infectious rhythms” of jazz legends like Louis Armstrong, Billie Holiday, and Duke Ellington, who redefined American music and broke down racial barriers.
- Experience a Pivotal Era: The Harlem Renaissance was the first African-American-led cultural movement, fostering a new spirit of self-determination and pride that eventually laid the foundation for the Civil Rights Movement.
- Dynamic Multimedia Storytelling: Unlike static history, this program uses “red hot” multimedia performances to turn historical facts into emotional, lived experiences, making it easier to connect with the past.
- Explore Interdisciplinary Genius: You will see how different art forms influenced one another, from the literature of Langston Hughes and Zora Neale Hurston to the pioneering visual works of Romare Bearden and Augusta Savage.
- Gain Contemporary Insight: Learning about these historic struggles and triumphs helps you better understand modern issues of identity and social justice in America today.
- Enrich Your Musical Perspective: This journey highlights the deep roots of African American musical heritage, showing how the innovations of the 1920s still influence
Program Includes:
- Live Commentary
- Live Musical Performance
- Integrated Video Projection
TARGETED GRADE LEVEL:
Elementary Version (K-5)
Secondary Version (6-8, 9-12)
PROGRAM DURATION: 45 Minutes
PROGRAM MATERIALS: Student Worksheets and Teaching Resource Guides
CORE CURRICULUM & TOPICS:
Harlem Renaissance, Arts & Humanities, Social Activism, Language Arts, Social Studies, African American History and Culture, Politics, Jazz Age, Music Education
Other productions:
Testimonials
WHAT our customers SAY
ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL
“Harlem Grooves was well receive by our staff and students. The performance was well done, and excellent. We could feel a level of passion from the artists.”
ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL
“The Harlem Grooves program is outstanding. The talent of the singers and choice of music is exemplary. The history lesson was informative and interesting. I highly recommend the program.”
ASSEMBLY COORDINATOR/DRAMA TEACHER
“Key Arts Productions continuously bring important voices in our history...their commitment to diversify and education is exemplary - and they are wonderful thoughtful artists.