The near black-box sparseness of downtown’s Tom Bradley Theater offered fitting context for the 1997 staging of the company’s “Midtown Sunset,” a jazz ballet.  The collaboration between choreographer Pat Taylor and her artistic collaborator, Marcus Shelby, leader of the next-gen heroes of hip-jazz, Black/Note, was –and still remains- exemplary of the possibilities of art in performance. 

Lo, these many years later, they’ve done it again!  Only, this time, in the more conventional setting of the Nate Holden Performing Arts Center (the site of the once beloved Ebony Showcase on Washington Boulevard), the sensation is more akin to pride with liberal doses of celebration! 

Saturday night’s “Evolve Suite” is a moving interpretation by the company of works by muralist Michael Massenburg, poet, S. Pearl Sharp, and vocalist, Dwight Trible.  These seemingly disparate features were capably shaped into a seamless whole over two acts; adding depth and impact to already finished elements.  While many in the audience enjoyed long-standing personal connections to the various contributors, everyone thrilled to the inventiveness of the work as a whole; and, especially the artistry of the dancers, most notably, Jeremiah Tatum, in a demonstrably powerful solo. 

Projections of Massenbug’s images provided remarkably stunning backdrop throughout the first act, confirming a surprising connectedness with S. Pearl’s independently authored words.  In turn, her “Pieces” trilogy anchored a natural and stirring progression through personal growth, culminating with a reverent expression by the company of the show’s central idea: to “Evolve.”

Trible’s 2nd act opening served as jubilant benediction for all concerned.  His “Ooh Child” was an inspired arrangement, elevating the 1970 pop hit to a much more emotion filled affirmation.  In the concluding elements, S. Pearl’s “Breathe Through Your Heart,” was just fun –as if that was a bad thing!-, and the company’s “Caravan” was intoxicating.  Why can't we all do that at parties, instead of the Electric Slide?

Kudos also to the JazzAntiqua production staff and crew, and to Wren T. Brown, the evening’s host and founder of the Ebony Repertory Theater.  Moments like these are seemingly too far and few in between, but are cherished all the same when they appear.  That chance meeting with Shelby on a flight to L.A. from San Francisco provided entrée’.  A curiously timely inquiry to reconnect via Facebook...  How lucky am I?  I am merely an adoring fan.  But, more... I am a witness.