Detroit students get chance to showcase talents at Fox Theatre in returning event

Brendel Hightower, Detroit Free Press
·2 min read
MiracleRay Davis, Grade 12, of Cass Technical High School, plays the harp. Students will have an opportunity to showcase their talents on one of the city's grandest stages Thursday, May 19, when “An Evening of Fine Arts” returns to the Fox Theatre.”
MiracleRay Davis, Grade 12, of Cass Technical High School, plays the harp. Students will have an opportunity to showcase their talents on one of the city's grandest stages Thursday, May 19, when “An Evening of Fine Arts” returns to the Fox Theatre.”

For the first time since 2013, “An Evening of Fine Arts” returns to the Fox Theatre, offering Detroit Public Schools Community District students the opportunity to showcase their talents on one of the city's grandest stages.

Performances by the district's top instrumental music ensembles, vocal music ensembles, dance companies and theater excerpts are planned. Original works of art by the district’s top visual artists will be displayed in the Fox Theatre’s grand lobby.

More than 200 students in grades 6-12 will showcase their talents in this event, which kicks off the District’s inaugural "Come Home" alumni weekend, May 19-22.

Jaden Anderson, 10th grade, of Cass Technical High School, plays the violin. Students will have an opportunity to showcase their talents on one of the city's grandest stages Thursday, May 19, when “An Evening of Fine Arts” returns to the Fox Theatre.”
Jaden Anderson, 10th grade, of Cass Technical High School, plays the violin. Students will have an opportunity to showcase their talents on one of the city's grandest stages Thursday, May 19, when “An Evening of Fine Arts” returns to the Fox Theatre.”

"The return of the Evening of Fine Arts is a strong signal of the district’s return to its rich legacy. It continues to be encouraging to see business partners and organizations embrace our whole child commitment to our students and families,” said district Superintendent Nikolai Vitti in a news release. “DPSCD has served as the pipeline for so many talented performers through the decades. Events such as this allow us to see our students’ talents annually on one of Detroit’s largest and most historic stages: The Fox Theatre.”

Performances are scheduled for 7 p.m. Thursday at Fox Theatre, 2211 Woodward, Detroit.

Tickets are free and required for entry. Advanced tickets are available at participating schools, the DPSCD Office of Fine Arts and at www.detroitk12.org/finearts.

The “Come Home” Alumni Hall of Fame Gala – a signature black tie gala, will be held Sunday at The Huntington Place in Detroit. Tickets can be purchased at detroitk12.org/comehometickets and proceeds will benefit students of the DPSCD Office of Fine & Performing Arts.

(Front to back) Jauron Perry, 12th grade, Keyon Bullock, 11th grade, and Jamir Jefferson, 12th grade, of the Detroit School of Arts, play trumpet. Students will have an opportunity to showcase their talents on one of the city's grandest stages Thursday, May 19, when “An Evening of Fine Arts” returns to the Fox Theatre.
(Front to back) Jauron Perry, 12th grade, Keyon Bullock, 11th grade, and Jamir Jefferson, 12th grade, of the Detroit School of Arts, play trumpet. Students will have an opportunity to showcase their talents on one of the city's grandest stages Thursday, May 19, when “An Evening of Fine Arts” returns to the Fox Theatre.

The return of the event was made possible by funding and support from, Ilitch Holdings and and the Detroit Office of Arts, Culture and Entrepreneurship (Detroit ACE), according to a news release.

“We applaud these young people for their dedication to excellence in academics and in the fine arts, and we’re proud to support them in achieving their incredible potential as students and members of the community," said Christopher Ilitch, president and CEO of Ilitch Holdings, Inc.

Brendel Hightower is an assistant editor at the Detroit Free Press. Contact her at bhightower@freepress.com.

This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Detroit students get chance to showcase talents at Fox Theatre