Move:Meant A.R.T Expo – Juneteenth

Melvin AC Howell’s Move:Meant A.R.T Expos are immersive dance theatre explorations of issues related to Black history and contemporary Black culture.

In addition to a live performance integrating dance, music, and theatrical elements, Expos include a visual arts installation that creates a setting for the performance and organically submerges the audience in the environment.

Juneteenth, the newest in Howell’s Move:Meant A.R.T Expo series, is a structured series of dance theater vignettes. The performance is a structured series of dance theater vignettes while the audience is led through the venue’s expansive, nontheatrical space.

Musical selections include popular recordings by Louis Armstrong, Duke Ellington, Marvin Gaye, Robert Glasper, Lionel Louke, and TroyBoi. A collection of visual art works by Asheville artist Jenny Pickens creates the environment for Juneteenth’s immersive experience.

Trillium Arts will present the premiere of Move:Meant A.R.T Expo – Juneteenth on Friday & Saturday, June 16 & 17, 2023 at 7:30 p.m. at Marshall High Studios, 115 Blannahassett Island Road in Marshall, NC.

Tickets are $15, general admission advance sales; $10, elders, students, children 16 years and younger; $20 at the door if any seats are left. Purchase tickets at www.trilliumartsnc.org/events. Capacity is limited. Marshall High Studios is accessible to people with disabilities.

Melvin AC Howell

Howell, Director of Heart & Soul Dance Company, is an accomplished choreographer, performer, and teacher specializing in hip hop, contemporary, jazz, funk, and freestyle dance styles. He has transformed and molded lives, while evolving the art of dance, for more than 13 years. His approach is his purpose: “Spread positivity, encouragement, and guidance through dance.”

In Howell’s words, “Juneteenth is a celebration of the enormous impact of Black dance and music on American culture. It is created to spread positive messages regarding race, class, and Black history across western North Carolina, thereby knitting our communities closer together.”

Juneteenth was created during a series of three residencies at Trillium Arts in May 2021, with Howell and co-director/choreographer Amanda Hoyte. Heather Hartley, co-founder of Trillium Arts, states, “Trillium Arts is committed to providing a diverse array of local, national and international artists with time and space to create their next great work. This multiyear partnership with Melvin exemplifies Trillium’s core values and our dedication to enhancing the performing arts in western NC. We are delighted to have the opportunity to present Melvin’s celebratory work to audiences in our region.”

NOTE: During the performance, audiences will move through the space along with the performers. If you have mobility issues or require special accommodations, please contact [email protected].