Karamu House Announces Homecoming Benefit Weekend

CLEVELAND, Ohio– July 1, 2024: Homecoming: Celebrating the completion of the Theatre WingPhase III Renovations. Since 2017, Karamu has brought new life to its historic home including upgrades to two theatres, interior and exterior renovations, a new marquee, the addition of a bistro and a fully enclosed pavilion. closed pavilion. The Homecoming Benefit will take place on Saturday, July 13th with the VIP Reception beginning at 5:30 PM and General Admission starting at 7:00 PM. The experience will include vibrant live performances, tours highlighting the beauty and use of the newly renovated spaces, and DJ Candi Fresca spinning until 11 PM. Nationally recognized, New Orleans-based visual Artist Stuart McClean returns, donating an original work inspired by the history, hospitality, and community experienced during his recent spring visit. The piece will be auctioned during the event.

VIP tickets are $250, and General Admission tickets are $175. Sponsorships are also available. Contact Joy Roller at jroller@karamuhouse.org for more information.

President + CEO, Tony F. Sias says, “We are excited to celebrate the completion of the $5.2M renovations of the theatre wing and thank the community and supporters for their investment in Karamu House. We invite you to join us on homecoming weekend to experience the newly renovated spaces, tour the facility, and learn more about our bold vision for the future ‘Karamu Next Generation’ as we raise funds for the sustainability of this legacy institution. Another highlight of the weekend will be the induction of three Karamu legends into the Karamu Hall of Fame.”

Community Day

Sunday, July 14th the Karamu campus opens for COMMUNITY DAY, an extended celebration that is free and open to the public. At 2:00 PM Karamu’s Hall of Fame induction kicks-off the day recognizing the contributions of Peter Lawson Jones, local legend, and frequent performer; Reggie Kelly (posthumously) multi-disciplined theatre artist; and Annette Bailey, who has served in Administration at Karamu for over 50 years, currently supporting archives. Community Day will also feature two performances of The Boy Who Kissed the Sky by Idris Goodwin by the Summer Arts Academy students and the Ribbon cutting of the new E89th + Quincy Plaza, unveiling the engraved pavers of Karamu friends, stakeholders, and supporters.