CHAMBER MUSIC FOR A CAUSE
2025-07-31 19:30 - 21:30 (America/New_York) | Grace Congregational Church of Harlem, UCC, 310 West 139th Street Harlem, New York 10030, NYC, NY, 10030, United States
Driven Theater Company’s HBCUArts program is proud to announce plans for “HBCUArts: Chamber Music for a Cause,” an intimate five-city concert tour celebrating the music of composers from Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). The tour will visit Washington DC, Harlem (NY), New Haven (CT), Martha’s Vineyard, and Hartford (CT) from July 30 to August 3, 2025. Showcasing Excellence in HBCU Classical Composition.
This groundbreaking tour features an ensemble of acclaimed artists including Dr. Jolie Rocke, soprano; Avid Williams, tenor; Andrew Lee, violinist/pianist; and cellists Richard Jimenez and Johnny Walker, Jr. The performances will highlight classical works by both established and emerging composers connected to HBCUs, offering audiences a rare opportunity to experience this significant yet often overlooked musical heritage.
“The classical compositions emerging from HBCU traditions represent some of the most innovative and moving works of American music,” says Dr. Jolie Rocke, tour organizer and featured soprano. “We’re honored to bring these pieces to audiences across the Northeast while supporting both our host venues and the future of HBCUArts education.”
Community Partnerships and Educational Mission
The tour has secured partnerships with historic venues including Grace Congregational Church in Harlem.
In select locations, the core ensemble will be joined by local HBCU-affiliated artists, creating unique community collaborations in each city. The tour will also include educational components such as pre-concert talks on HBCU musical heritage and potential master classes for music students. Supporting Arts Education Through Audience Donations.
The donation-based concert series aims to raise funds in support of Driven Theater Company’s HBCUArts C.R.E.D.O. 2026 initiative, which provides professional development and performance opportunities for emerging HBCUartists. Thirty percent of all proceeds will directly support the host venues, creating a sustainable model that benefits both the performing arts and local communities.

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