Asase Yaa Cultural Arts Foundation is launching its third annual Rhythms & Movements Festival this February, setting the stage for the organization’s 25th anniversary year.
The nine-day celebration, running Feb. 20–28, 2026, honors Black History Month with a lineup spread across three major Brooklyn venues: BRIC Ballroom, the Billie Holiday Theater and The Theater at City Tech. The festival will present nine events in total, including three evening performances and six daytime shows for young audiences.
The festival centers African American cultural traditions and the arts, culminating in the return of The Revival: DJEMBE IN THE NEW MILLENNIUM, performed by the Asase Yaa African American Dance Theater. It marks the company’s first major tour since 2017 and its largest to date, with stops planned in at least 15 cities nationwide throughout the year.
"We're honored to present our third Annual Rhythms & Movements Festival as part of our 25th Anniversary celebration in 2026-27. This is our most adventurous festival yet,” noted K. Osei Williams, Asase Yaa's Executive Director.
The anniversary season carries the theme We Strive to Thrive, reflecting the foundation’s mission to uplift cultural heritage, expand creative possibilities and inspire young people through the arts.
Festival Calendar
Feb. 20 – AN ARTIVIST EXPERIENCE, BRIC Ballroom
The opening night concert brings together a powerhouse group of musicians and artivists, including percussionist Kweku Sumbry, saxophonist Immanuel Wilkins, and vibraphonist Joel Ross. After the performance, Chief Ayanda Clarke leads a conversation exploring the connections between music, activism and social change.
Showtime: 7:30pm.
THE LOVE PARTY, BRIC Ballroom
A lively dance afterparty hosted by DJ Spinna, celebrating community, joy, and artistic expression.
Showtime: 9:00pm –12:00am.
Feb. 25–27 – THE MAD SCIENTIST, Billie Holiday Theater
This original youth-centered play follows a young scientist who travels through time and meets trailblazing Black innovators, from Mae Jemison to George Washington Carver. Guided by three comedic narrators, he gains a deeper appreciation for African and African American ingenuity. The production blends theater, dance, music, humor and history to inspire curiosity and pride in students.
Showtimes: 10:00am and 12:30pm, daily.
Feb. 28 – The Revival: DJEMBE IN THE NEW MILLENNIUM, The Theater at City Tech
Presented in a newly expanded form, this production traces the impact of West African cultural traditions on Bed-Stuy’s artistic landscape in the 1990s and the roots of Asase Yaa’s founding. The show features six dancers, four djembe drummers, balafon, guitar, the original Griot, new music, updated costumes and multimedia elements.
Showtime: 7:30pm.
More details on the 25th anniversary season and ways to support the campaign can be found at asaseyaaent.org or on social media at @AsaseYaaCulturalArtsFoundation.
