We Celebrate and Honor Charles E. Sykes, D.M.E.

After 34 years of service, Charles E. Sykes, D.M.E., will retire as the executive director of the African American Arts Institute (AAAI) at Indiana University. The African American Arts Institute is an integral part of why Indiana University is such a special place, and Charles has been instrumental in bringing the uniqueness and creativity that is the AAAI to so many people. His contributions and influence are a critical part of the institute’s history.

Learn more

Continuing on

"THE ROAD to 50"

2024 SPRING CONCERT SERIES

The Road to 50 signifies that in this academic year we are on a journey towards next year’s 50th Anniversary Celebrations for the African American Arts Institute and its legendary African American Dance Company.  Our journey began in the fall of 2023 with our annual Potpourri of the Arts concert, presented at IU Auditorium. We continue our journey this spring with three amazing concerts presented in various venues on campus and in the city of Bloomington. Join us as we continue on "The Road to 50". 

African American Dance Company

Black dance performance at its best!

APRIL 13 - 7:30 p.m. - Buskirk Chumley Theater, Bloomington, 114 E Kirkwood Bloomington, 47408

The legendary African American Dance Company will perform an eclectic array of works from the African diaspora, ranging from traditional African dance to contemporary styles.

Stafford C. Berry Jr., Director

Purchase tickets at the Buskirk Chumley Box Office (114 E Kirkwood Bloomington, IN 47408).

 

PURCHASE ONLINE HERE!

*Box office & online ticket processing fees may apply

IU Soul Revue

 

presents: A Taste of Soul!

                                                                          APRIL 20 - 7:30 p.m. - Monroe Convention Center, 302 S. College Ave. Bloomington, IN 47403

Join the IU Soul Revue as it performs timeless and current R&B and soul music in a cabaret setting.                                            Cash bar and concession, dancing, and more. Dress to impress!

James Strong, Director                           

TICKETS COMING SOON!

African American Choral Ensemble

Celebrating the legacy of African American Choral music! 

APRIL 27 - 7:30 p.m. - Ruth N. Halls Theatre, IU Bloomington, 275 N Eagleson Ave. Bloomington, IN 47405

The award-winning African American Choral Ensemble will share selections ranging from spirituals and folk songs to inspirational, contemporary gospel and formally composed works by and about African Americans. 

Raymond Wise, Director

Purchase tickets at the IU Auditorium Box Office (1211 E 7th St. Bloomington,IN 47405). 

PURCHASE ONLINE HERE!

*Box office & online ticket processing fees may apply

AAAI Releases its first album!

Inspire Me is an album of 10 inspirational recorded by the award-winning African American Choral ensemble, composed and arranged by Raymond Wise, Ph.D.

Purchase NOW!

Performing Ensembles

African American Choral Ensemble

Directed by Raymond Wise

The African American Choral Ensemble features a broad repertoire of African American choral music including spirituals, Gospel, and formally composed works.

Learn about the Choral Ensemble

African American Dance Company

Directed by Stafford Berry

The African American Dance Company shares dance of the American and African diaspora including African styles, contemporary, jazz, and other cultural forms.

Learn about the Dance Company

IU Soul Revue

Directed by James Strong

Established in 1971, the IU Soul Revue performs post-World War II Black popular music, from timeless R&B, soul, and funk to hip hop and other contemporary music styles. The ensemble includes vocals, horns, and rhythm sections.

Learn about the Soul Revue

We promote and preserve Black culture through performance