Freeman Arts Pavilion to host DE250 arts celebration July 25

The Freeman Arts Pavilion will host “This Is Delaware: An Arts Celebration for DE250” on Saturday, July 25, featuring Delaware musicians, poets, dancers and cultural leaders in a celebration of the state’s artistic heritage. (Photo courtesy of Freeman Arts Pavilion.)

A multidisciplinary celebration of Delaware’s artistic heritage will take place Saturday, July 25, at the Freeman Arts Pavilion as part of the state’s DE250 commemorations marking the 250th anniversary of the United States.

The event, titled “This Is Delaware: An Arts Celebration for DE250,” begins at 7 p.m. and will bring together musicians, poets, dancers and cultural leaders for an evening exploring the role of the arts in shaping Delaware’s past, present and future.

The program will combine panel discussion and live performances featuring Delaware artists from a variety of disciplines. Spoken word artist G Dash Jones will serve as master of ceremonies, while Delaware Humanities Executive Director Michele Anistine will moderate the discussion.

A featured performance will include selections from The United Sounds of America by Delaware composer Mark Hagerty, performed by the SODELO Orchestra alongside The Twin Poets, soprano Makeda Hampton and Jonathon Whitney.

The orchestra will also perform Coastal Delaware Suite, an original four-movement composition by SODELO musician Brian Cox inspired by Lewes, Rehoboth Beach, Dewey Beach and Bethany Beach.

The event will also feature a cultural presentation by drummers from the Nanticoke Indian Tribe. Bonnie Hall, a member of the tribe, will share remarks on the history and artistic traditions of Delaware’s Native communities.

Dance organization Pieces of a Dream Inc., led by Ashley SK Davis, will also perform as part of the program.

The event is free and open to the public and is part of Delaware’s DE250 initiative, which commemorates the nation’s semiquincentennial through programs celebrating the state’s history, culture and communities.

The performance begins at 7 p.m. Saturday, July 25, at the Freeman Arts Pavilion. Admission is free.