New Haven Register (New Haven, CT)
Palace Theatre aims for inclusivity with new series
The Palace Theatre in Stamford is launching its new diversity series on Sept. 22, with “Soultown to Motown,” featuring the 11-man horn group Sensational Soul Cruisers.
The show will boast fanfavorite hits from such artists as the Jackson Five, Marvin Gaye, the Temptations and the Four Tops.
“Who doesn’t have fond memories of listening to this music on the radio growing up?” said Michael Moran, president and CEO of the Palace Theatre. “We haven’t presented a lot of this, so we wanted to give a more diverse audience an opportunity to hear some of this amazing music.”
This is one of three shows planned for the fall as part of what the theater is calling the Palace Diversity Series, sponsored by Shipman & Goodwin.
“In the world today, I think most of us feel this sense of divisiveness,” Moran said. “A major contributing factor has probably been all of the challenges and life-changing situations we were placed in during the pandemic. As we come out of that, some of our goals were to ask, ‘How can we be better, stronger and more in tune with our community?’”
So, when Moran had the opportunity to schedule this year’s shows, he wanted to ensure that the Palace Theatre was a more inclusive with its programming and create something a more culturally diverse audience might appreciate.
“It really starts with kindness,” he said. “I don’t know what it’s like to be a woman, and I don’t know what it’s like to be a minority, and I can certainly take their perspective into mind when I’m offering shows so I can be more culturally inclusive. That was the goal behind the series.”
Additionally, Moran realized that the Palace Theatre did not have a diversity, equity and inclusiveness statement, so a committee was formed and a statement was developed.
“Now, I can feel better about what we’re doing when I’m asking people to support us as a 501(c)(3),” he said.
The second show in the series will be “Black Violin: Give Thanks Holiday Tour,” which will take place on Nov. 11. The concert is led by viola player Wil B and violinist Kev Marcus and features drummer Nat Stokes and DJ SPS. The group will play songs from its Grammy-nominated album, “Take the Stairs,” as well as some holiday faves from its “Give Thanks” record.
“These are classically trained string players who I’ve never seen or never heard, but I’ve heard from others that they are incredibly talented and their repertoire is very diverse — from classical to hip hop,” Moran said. “I hope the audiences come out and enjoy it.”
A third fall performance will be announced at a later date.
In addition to the three shows in the diversity series, the Palace Theatre will have a myriad of diverse programming this fall.
On Sept. 23, Tito Nieves Y Daniela Darcourt Tour USA will feature the singer behind the English salsa sensation “I Like It Like That,” along with Peruvian dancer Darcourt, who is known as one of today’s most promising voices in salsa.
Myriam Hernandez, the noted Chilean Latin pop singer, will take the stage on Oct. 9, singing hits such as “El hombre que yo amo” and “Ay Amor.”
“These two shows are not presented by us, but we do offer some financial support to the people renting the theater to bring these performances,” Moran said, noting he’s excited about bringing Latino artists to the venue.
Finally, on Nov. 6, Tchaikovsky’s iconic “Swan Lake” will be performed as part of the World Ballet Series, featuring a multinational cast of 50 professional ballet dancers.
For more information about the diversity series, visit palcestamford.org.