New Mexico’s performing arts scene is increasingly vibrant, with African American theatrical and cultural activities gaining prominence and drawing audiences from across the state and place. Whether you’re a theatre lover, a network supporter, or a person keen to explore stories rooted in Black subculture and creativity, there are numerous thrilling upcoming performances and occasions really worth attending. Many are hosted by using the African American Performing Arts Center (AAPAC) in Albuquerque, however the broader community additionally contributes dynamic programming that celebrates historical past, music, storytelling, and overall performance.
1. Love and Luther: Tribute Performance – February 14, 2025
Just in time for Black History Month and Valentine’s Day, Love and Luther will pay homage to the legendary soul singer Luther Vandross in an nighttime of effective music and heartfelt performances. Local artists—which includes Josef Scott, Artha Meadors, Dee Brown and others—come collectively for a tribute that blends emotion, artistry, and community birthday celebration. This event highlights the long-lasting impact of Vandross’s music on African American lifestyle and modern-day performers.
Whether you’re a longtime fan of soul music or new to the genre, this show guarantees a memorable night time of live music and creative homage that honors one in every of Black music’s maximum cherished voices.
2. NM Academy Media Arts Event – May 16, 2025
The African American Performing Arts Center is scheduled to host a special NM Academy Media Arts event in mid-May. While details are nonetheless being finalized, this programming generally consists of overall performance artwork, theatre showcases, interactive media presentations and possibilities to have interaction with visible and acting artists from across the nation.
This event represents a growing trend in New Mexico’s arts network—mixing conventional theatre with media arts, storytelling, and young people creativity. Keep an eye out for the final schedule, because it’s likely to offer a combination of performances, workshops, and open-degree opportunities.
3. Boom Times! Lecture & Theatrical Presentation – August 30, 2025
In a unique blend of history and performance, Boom Times! explores the colourful technology of Blackdom, a traditionally massive African American settlement in New Mexico. Hosted via the ACLU-New Mexico Black Donor Network and provided at AAPAC, this occasion features historian Dr. Timothy E. Nelson presenting insights into the social and cultural boom skilled by means of Black communities during the New Negro Movement.
While now not a traditional play, this performance-lecture merges storytelling with historic context, making it specially precious for audiences inquisitive about how theatre can illuminate omitted chapters of African American existence within the Southwest.
4. Artrageous Artreach — Performance & Arts Workshop (Seasonal/Recurring)
AAPAC’s Artrageous Artreach program combines theatre with music, dance, vocal instruction, rhythm workshops, and fine arts activities. While frequently offered seasonally, it’s designed to engage both adults and youth in collaborative performance experiences that celebrate African American artistic traditions.
These creative workshops often culminate in performance pieces that blend improvisation with structured theatrical elements, making them ideal for families and aspiring artists exploring performing arts from multiple angles.
5. Community and Black History Month Theatrical Events (February 2026 & Beyond)
Black History Month continues to be a wealthy time for performances across New Mexico. Though unique 2026 shows aren’t but completely announced, network businesses, university theatre departments, and cultural alliances historically host numerous performs, staged readings, spoken phrase performances, and scholar showcases that discover African American history, identification, and social justice issues. These occasions provide significant ways to connect with the wider narratives of Black revel in via theatre and performance.
Be certain to comply with local arts calendars and AAPAC’s personal occasion pages as details for February 2026 performances are released.
Conclusion
New Mexico’s African American theatre scene is flourishing with numerous and creative performances that honor history, discover way of life, and showcase nearby talent. From heartfelt musical tributes like Love and Luther to interdisciplinary arts events and history-infused performances consisting of Boom Times!, there are multiple ways to engage with African American storytelling on degree.
As the calendar maintains into 2025 and past, audiences can expect even more theatrical offerings that remember Black voices and inventive expression. Attending these shows no longer only supports nearby artists however additionally enriches the cultural material of the country—inviting all of us to enjoy the energy of theatre as a space for connection, insight, and pleasure.
