Here at Overture, we’re working hard to make sure that our organization is as welcoming, inclusive, and diverse as it can be.
Following the 2014 release of the Wisconsin Council on Children & Families’ Race to Equity Report on the state of racial disparities in Dane County, Overture was inspired to create and implement a rigorous, comprehensive, and measurable plan of action to affirm our commitment to diversity and inclusion in both our programming and within our workplace.
Overture has a responsibility to the community and to our stakeholders to ensure that what we see on the stage is truly a reflection of the society in which we live and the humanity that we share. Thus, with the backing of the Overture Center Foundation (OCF) Board of Directors and Overture President and CEO Ted DeDee, we have begun to implement our Racial Equality Initiative here at Overture.
To that end, Dr. Edward S. Holmes joined the Overture staff in 2016 as Director of Diversity and Inclusion. Since then, Dr. Holmes has conducted deliberate outreach to diverse communities of Madison, and created opportunities for young people to be a part of Overture audiences and engage with artists ranging from Patti LaBelle to Maraca & His Latin Jazz All Stars to Beautiful: The Carole King Musical.
“We are just getting started,” said Dr. Holmes. “Using the arts as a catalyst for change isn’t something new, but using the full spectrum of resources of a performing arts center is a major step in promoting the conversation and change needed to create a better future for our young people.”
Upcoming Events
TajMo: The Taj Mahal & Keb’ Mo’ Band with Jontavious Willis
WED, AUG 8, 7:30 PM
“We wanted to do a real good record together, but we didn’t want to do the record that everyone expected us to do,” blues legend Taj Mahal says of TajMo, his historic collaboration with fellow true believer Keb’ Mo’. “There wasn’t a bunch of cryin’ and ringin’ hands, we just got together and it came together pretty naturally. I think it’s a pretty upbeat, celebratory record, and it couldn’t have come at a better time.”
Indeed, TajMo, released on May 5, 2017 via Concord Records, marks a once-in-a-lifetime convergence of the talents of two unique American artists who’ve already built significant individual legacies that have consistently expanded and extended American blues traditions into astonishing new territory. The collaboration brings out the best in both artists, who merge their distinctive voices, personalities and guitar styles to create vibrant, immediate music that’s firmly rooted in tradition yet ruled by a restless, spirited sense of adventure.
The Greatest Love of All: The Whitney Houston Show
FRI, AUG 10, 7:30 PM
Whitney’s musical legacy is brought to life in this critically acclaimed stage show described as “mind-blowingly spot on”.
Be stunned by the breathtaking vocals of Belinda Davids – a RiSA chart-topping artist in her home country of South Africa – who has performed alongside the likes of Keri Hilson, Keyshia Cole and Monica. With the accompaniment of a five-piece live band, two backing vocalists and four choreographed dancers, plus state-of-the-art sound, lighting, vision and theatrical effects, this is a beautifully crafted tribute to one of the world’s most revered singers.
Diversity and Inclusion Newsletter
This bi-monthly publication is designed to showcase highlights of the exciting and important work Overture is doing to make our organization more inclusive and reflective of our community, including both past and upcoming special events, programming, staff, volunteers and community partners. You can view the newsletter via the link below:
Race to Equity funding provided by: Altria, Cummings Christensen Family Foundation, Carl & Mary Gulbrandsen, Philip & Helen Bradbury, Madison Community Foundation, Scherr-Lloyd Fund, Overture Center Foundation Board of Directors and by contributions to Overture Center for the Arts.
For more information on how to support these efforts, contact Ed Holmes, PhD. at eholmes@overture.org.
