Schedule Announced for Howard Theatre Community Day, April 9, 2012

The schedule for the Howard Theatre Community Day, celebrating the grand re-opening of the Howard Theatre, has been announced.  The Community Day events are free and open to the public. Schedule details (via WPGC) are below:

WHEN: Monday, April 9, 2012, at 11:30 a.m.

WHERE: Howard Theatre Plaza, 620 T Street, NW

WHAT: The Howard Theatre raises its curtains after a $29 million renovation and a 30-year hiatus with an opening day to celebrate with the community.

SCHEDULE (as of April 4, 2012):

• 11:30 a.m.: Welcome, Saleem Hylton
• 11:35 a.m.: Robert Thompson and The James Brown Experience Band
• 12:00 noon: Reverend Sandra Butler-Truesdale introduces Reverend Trent and clergy for invocation (Melvin Deal, libation; Reverend Ivy Hylton, The Lord’s Prayer in song)
• 12:05 p.m.: Duke Ellington statue unveiling/dedication.  Words from the District of Columbia Commission on the Arts and the Humanities; recognition of the Ellington family and statue artist
• 12:15 p.m.: Reverend Sandra Butler-Truesdale introduces speakers: Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton; Mayor Vincent C. Gray; Council Chairman Kwame R. Brown; Councilmember Jim Graham; Councilmember Vincent B. Orange, Jr.; Commissioner Myla Moss (ANC 1B Chairperson)
• 12:30 p.m.: Ribbon cutting; unveiling of “Jazz Man” statue atop theatre.  Words from Howard Theatre Restoration (Chip and Malik Ellis) and Brower Hatcher, artist commissioned to create “Jazz Man”
• 12:35 p.m.: Live entertainment. Scheduled performers include: Darlene Dancy, Delonte Copeland, Jimi Smooth, Matthew White, Wendy Hicks, NuEra, Teri Swenton, Velons, Orioles, Skip Mahoney, The Jewels, and Al Johnson
• 2:45 p.m.: Grand finale