The City of Temecula, Temecula Valley Museum, and the Old Town Temecula Community Theater join the nation as we recognize and commemorate Black Americans' many achievements and contributions to our great country through focused programming in celebration of American Black History Month. 

@ Old Town Temecula Community Theater (42041 Main Street)

We invite our community to engage in the authentic, soulful, and orchestral sound of The String Queens (TSQ) on SAT, FEB 25, 2023, at 7:30 pm at the Old Town Temecula Community Theater (42051 Main Street).

This dynamic trio creates stimulating musical experiences that inspire diverse audiences to love, hope, feel, and imagine!  With an array of repertoire spanning from the Baroque era to the Jazz Age to today's Billboard Hot 100 Chart, TSQ will delight Temecula’s audience with a versatile program that will take listeners on an exhilarating musical journey through time through a multitude of musical genres. 

Contributions from Black composers, conductors, and musicians are not given much attention in classical music, past or present.  Historically, classical music performances focused on a small circle of white male celebrities, ignoring female and non-white composers who had fewer opportunities to establish professional careers. Black American classical musicians existed outside of the limelight despite the focus on European composers.  Generations later, African American composers' work began appearing on orchestral programs.   Black opera singers gradually made headway during the same period, culminating in a breakthrough appearance by Black performers.  To this day, less than 2% of musicians in American orchestras are Black, and 4% of conductors are Black, according to the League of American Orchestras, but they are still a vital part of our American History. 

Our Celebration of Black History will also include the vocal sensation and Temecula resident, Sherry Williams: Then and Now on FRI, FEB 24, 2023, at 7:30 pm.  Sherry and her quintet of Jazz legends share a glimpse of the fifty-year musical journey that got her where she is today. Her signature smooth sound draws fans from near and far to share in the jazz experience that is Sherry Williams! 

Tickets are on sale now for The String Queens and Sherry Williams: Then and Now.  Tickets are available at the Old Town Temecula Community Theater (42051 Main Street) and online at TemeculaTheater.org. For more information, please contact the Ticket Office at 1.866.OLD.TOWN (1.866.653.8696).  Thank you for your continued support of live performing arts in Temecula.

@ Temecula Valley Museum (28314 Mercedes Street)

The celebration of American Black History Month continues at the Temecula Valley Museum with the display of another Emerging Artists Mural honoring internationally renowned social reformer, abolitionist, orator, writer, and statesman Frederick Douglass.  This temporary public art piece celebrating Mr. Douglass and his connection to the founding of Black History Month was created by 15-year-old artist Mya Hill, a Mission Vista Academy and Bigfoot Graphics art student.  This beautiful, original mural is exhibited at Sam Hicks Monument Park (28300 Mercedes Street) through the month of February.

The Temecula Valley Museum also invites residents to view original early 1960’s voting right posters, including two featuring Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., on display in the Museum Rotunda.   The museum will also celebrate Frederick Douglass and Black History Month through facts and free crafts in the museums Art and Education Room.  All are welcome!

The Temecula Valley Museum is located in Old Town Temecula (28314 Mercedes Street).  Museum hours are Tuesdays through Sundays from 10:00 am – 4:00 pm.  For more information, please visit TemeculaValleyMuseum.org or call (951) 694-6450.

American Black History Month presents the opportunity for us to celebrate our fellow Americans' achievements which have led the fight toward equity in our communities and stand together to pave the way for continued progress for all.   Please tune in to our social media pages as we look at Black Americans' extraordinary story in our country, including enhancing our national life through civic leadership, military service, business, the arts, science, literature, sports, and entertainment.

Temecula’s Celebration of American Black History is a collective celebration and remembrance of the many important contributions Black Americans have had on every chapter of our nation’s story.  Please support the Temecula Valley Museum, Old Town Temecula Community Theater, and Temecula’s Community Services Department as we continue to grow this engaging, entertaining, and educational celebration.