WRITTEN BY KELSEY GOGA, MARKETING INTERN
Wednesday, January 18
12:30 p.m. | Free with Museum Admission
Photo by Robin Holland
Spend some time with us and enjoy a concert in the auditorium from the Jacksonville-native Ritz Chamber Players. This concert includes a special performance inspired by LIFT.
This bright and diverse group draws its name from the historic Ritz Theatre and LaVilla Museum, which celebrates the rich history of the African American community that thrived in the LaVilla area of Jacksonville for more than a century. LaVilla was known as the “Harlem of the South,” and from 1861 to 1887 was an independent municipality, where African Americans held senior positions in government, the police force, and the fire department.
With the demise of segregation in the 1960s, those who were able began moving to other neighborhoods in the city. It wasn’t until the 1990s when the LaVilla neighborhood began to be revitalized. From here the Ritz Theatre and LaVilla Museum, and subsequently the Ritz Chamber Players, were born.
Founded in 2002 by clarinetist Terrance Patterson, the Ritz Chamber Players are often lauded as “a remarkable ensemble,” focusing on showcasing classical works. They have performed across the country from right here at the Times-Union Center for the Performing Arts to New York’s Weill Recital Hall in Carnegie Hall. You can view some samples of their work on their website’s Listening Room.
To register for this concert (Members Free, Non-Members Free with Paid Admission), please click here. To pre-order a box lunch from the Cummer Café (for an additional $15 per person plus tax and gratuity), view the menu and call 904.899.6022 or email cafe@cummermuseum.org. Pick up your order from the Café when you arrive and bring it into the Auditorium. Please plan to arrive a few minutes early to pick up your meal so you don’t miss any of the concert!
Future concerts with the Ritz Chamber Players will be held on Wednesday, February 22 as well as Wednesday, May 10.
