April 24-27
Langston Hughes Performing Arts Institute
104 17th Ave S
$10-135
BY SUSAN YANAGIHARA
Rooted firmly in Seattle’s traditionally Black Central District neighborhood, the Langston Hughes Performing Arts Institute (LHPAI) is a space of historical and cultural significance. LHPAI was originally built in 1915 as a Jewish synagogue and is now a major historical landmark in the area, continuing to be a non-profit organization that serves “community through Black arts and culture…and cultivating Black brilliance.”
This includes Langston’s cherished Seattle Black Film Festival (SBFF), going over 20 years strong now (which also makes it the longest-running festival of its kind in the region). This year, SBFF is showcasing films by Black filmmakers and celebrating stories from the African diaspora, and feature many film styles, local to international, with over 100 independent selections to choose from. In addition, SBFF has secured a few film premieres, including a local feature film titled Fulfill The Promise: The Rise. The Fall. The Promise, directed by Moët Beaver, which highlights Seattle’s history of the Central District and the work of the late Rev. Dr. Samuel B. McKinney, who led the area’s distinguished Mount Zion Baptist Church for over 40 years. Surely there is something for everyone, for all ages and interests! Along with screenings, festival programming will also feature a BIPOC Filmmaker Meet Up, workshops, panel discussions, and conversations with filmmakers, industry professionals, and community leaders.
Amongst the schedule stands a few jazz highlights!
To view the full schedule or to purchase tickets and passes (including virtual access), please visit langstonseattle.org/sbff.
Orange Blues 24
5 mins | United States | 2024
Directed by Alyssa Dann
Thursday, April 24, 9:30PM
Described as “a tribute to every man and woman who feels overwhelmed these days…one man seeks refuge in the arms of his muse.” Orange Blues 24 tackles heavy issues such as COVID-19 to “Trumpocracy” in a bluesy tune with humor, composed and sung by Chris Oledude. This video uses the carefully crafted claymation process and other mixed animation by Alyssa Dann and Chris Harper.
Music Never Sleeps
20 mins | United States | 2020
Produced by Ebony A. Arunga and Nia Arunga
Saturday, April 26, 6:45PM
This documentary-style television episode follows a cast of artists and creatives “of African descent living in Seattle, WA, and traveling to Kenya, East Africa to produce music, stage performances, and music videos.” It is considered episode 2 of a 4-part series. Music Never Sleeps casts the real-life Arunga family, including local jazz trumpet player Owuor Arunga. (Earshot concertgoers may recall him most recently at the 2024 Earshot Jazz Festival alongside Freddy “Fuego” Gonzalez and his ensemble.) Arunga is also featured in the music video, “Black as They Come”, which screens during the festival as well.
House Music: A Cultural Revolution
52 minutes | United States
Directed by Barbara E. Allen
Saturday, April 26, 8:45PM
Although not jazz-specific, music enthusiasts should consider viewing this documentary that covers the decline of disco in the 1970s and the following rise of house music, originally developed in Chicago’s underground scene.
Mélange
15 minutes | United States | 2024
Directed by Deshon Leek
Saturday, April 26, 9:45PM
“Two men reconnect in a jazz bar after a period of estrangement…the film explores themes of love, loss, black male intimacy, and queer identity”, according to Leek. Mélange was also a part of the Seattle Queer Film Festival in 2024.
