JCAL's Busiest Week Of The Year! Here's a Full Breakdown
We're pleased to present an action-packed week of performances, classes, and more at JCAL! Tonight, join us for the season premiere of our Riddim Section series, headlined by Jazz harp virtuoso Edmar Castaneda.
Tomorrow night, we're hosting the finale of our Meet the Playwright series, featuring a reading of At God's Back, by Camille Simone Thomas.
This weekend, we're presenting the long-awaited Weekend of West African Dance performances.
Finally, Saturday marks the opening of our Spring Semester of JCAL Arts Classes.
Check it all out below!
A Weekend of West African Dance:
Black History Month Presentation
Performances - February 27 and February 28
Come and join us for a vibrant celebration of West African dance and culture at the Jamaica Performing Arts Center. This exciting event is a part of our Black History Month festivities and promises to be a weekend filled with rhythm, energy, and joy.
The celebrated program features concerts and interactive workshops during the month of February, led by Kofago Dance Ensemble and FANIKE! African Dance Troupe. We invite audiences to connect deeply with the rhythm, history, and spirit of African culture.
Riddim Section Presents: Edmar Castaneda
February 25, 8pm
153-10 Jamaica Avenue
The acclaimed series returns with an exciting performance!
Join us for an exciting Riddim Section concert, headlined by Edmar Castaneda! Riddim Section is a monthly concert series that explores the music of the African, Caribbean, and Latin American diasporas.
About the artist: Upon arriving in the United States in 1994, Colombian-born Edmar Castaneda has made a name for himself as the preeminent jazz harp virtuoso. Castañeda brings forth a brilliance that beautifully merges the jazz tradition with a diverse set of styles and genres while bringing unbridled attention to a somewhat unfamiliar instrument: The harp.
Meet the Playwright Season Finale
February 26, 8pm
161-04 Jamaica Avenue
Join us for the season finale of our free theater series, featuring a highly anticipated staged reading of At God's Back, by Camille Simone Thomas.
About the play: When Iylan returns to her hometown with her fiancé to help plan her grandmother’s funeral, she is surprised by what she discovers. She learns of her grandmother's deep involvement with the mystic practice of Obeah.
JCAL Spring Arts Classes
Now Open For Registration!
Classes Begin February 28
161-04 Jamaica Avenue
We're pleased to present our lineup of Arts classes here at JCAL for the Spring Semester! Classes begin on Saturday, February 28.
To ensure that classes are affordable and accessible, registrants will receive 10% off for purchasing more than one class at the same time. JCAL now also offers the option to pay for classes in two installments.
Registration for JCAL Arts classes are now run through Amilia. Setting up your Amilia account is a quick, one-time, free process that lets you access your registrations, payments, and related details all in one place.
For questions and inquiries, contact our Manager of Education Marcello Di Russo at education@jcal.org
Calling All Dancers and Choreographers!
Making Moves Dance Festival
Now Open For Submissions
We're pleased to open our application portal for the 17th Annual Making Moves Dance Festival (MMDF2026).
MMDF2026 will present commissions by and performances from up to nine choreographers. MMDF2026 runs from Friday to Sunday, September 18 to 20, 2026. All choreographers, dance artists, and companies working in any genre are encouraged to apply. The submission deadline is Friday, May 15, 2026, at 6 pm.
Closing Reception
Emancipation: The Rise of Womanhood
March 6, 6pm
161-04 Jamaica Avenue
Join us for the closing reception of Emancipation: The Rise of Womanhood, a group exhibit curated by JCAL Visual Voices artist Alma Leya.
The concept of Emancipation is for each female participating artist to reflect their own perspectives on womanhood through their work.
Inspiration may come from their own life, from someone they are closely attached to, or from idols or role models.
Memory Vault Opening Reception
March 13, 6pm
161-04 Jamaica Avenue
Join us for the highly anticipated opening of Memory Vault. The group show is the culminating exhibition for JCAL's ARTWorks Fellows. The exhibition is curated by Dr. Margarita Rosa.
Artists: Coulibaly Adama Nanguin Abib Junior, Anoushka Bhalla, Edgie Amisial, Keilley Banks, Jashawn Johnson, Quiana Lewis
Program Manager: Sherwin Banfield
About Memory Vault: Memory Vault is an exhibition that mediates on the present moment as a future archive. Artists are asked to use portraiture, cityscapes, sculpture, and experimental forms to create an archive of the now: an archive of faces, gestures, skylines, personal spaces, and communal rhythms.
Thursday Night Jazz Presents Gina D'Soto
March 12, 8pm
153-10 Jamaica Avenue
Gina D'Soto is a rising star redefining Cuban music on the global stage. Based in New York, she captivates audiences with her authentic blend of R&B, pop, and Cuban traditions, offering a fresh perspective as part of the new wave of Cuban artists. Her music celebrates cultural diversity, merging her roots modern influences to create a sound that feels both timeless and groundbreaking.
Strength Courage & Wisdom
March 28, 8pm
153-10 Jamaica Avenue
Join us for an exciting presentation of spoken word, storytelling, and dance to celebrate Women's History Month! Strength Courage & Wisdom 2026 will feature a fantastic lineup of artists and great vibes.
This year's special guest poet is the acclaimed Ursula Rucker. Poet, recording artist, songwriter, activist, and revolutionary Ma’at Mama, Ursula Rucker is a certified veteran of the global music and poetry scene. A skilled writer and dynamic performer, Rucker’s rich and textured voice is one of the world’s great, living instruments.
Financial Literacy:
Journey to Homeownership: Overview of First-Time Homebuyer Mortgage Programs & Grants
March 11, 7pm
This webinar will explore the current first-time homebuyer mortgage programs that are available in today’s market. Learn about First-Time Homebuyer Grants, including down payment assistance and closing cost credits that are available. Learn who offers these grants and how to qualify, as well as details on the process and timing for obtaining them.
Video Of The Week: West African Dance Workshops
Check out last week’s sold-out West African Dance Workshop led by Kofago Dance Ensemble's Bakary Fall. Reminder: A Weekend of West African Dance is this Friday and Saturday! Get tickets here.