Held February 10 - 17, 2011, Love Jones Week will include soul line dancing and competitions, a poetry slam with live music, a concert featuring nationally known poet Wes Felton and neo-soul songstress Tamika "Love" Jones, plus a special reception and film screening with the talented Mr. Witcher, who grew up in Pittsburgh.

The movie Love Jones is a love story set in the world of Chicago's middle-class black artists and professionals. The romantic drama stars actors Larenz Tate and Nia Long. The movie was the debut film for Mr. Witcher, and it is considered a classic work in African American cinema. On making the movie, Mr. Witcher was quoted as saying he wanted to suggest a "modern Chicago version of the Harlem Renaissance, filtered through modern eyes."

"We wanted to create a series of events that applauded African American's contribution to music, prose and visual art as well as capture the smooth, smart and romantic feeling many audience members walked away with after seeing the movie," said Shaunda Miles, Director of Programming & Cultivation at the August Wilson Center. "However, these events are not exclusive for couples, but for anyone who has an appreciation for the arts, good music, fun and fellowship."

Here is a full list of events for Love Jones Week, all held at The Center:

Thursday, February 10

5 pm - offCenter - FREE
FREE after-work activities will include speed dating, and couples' games with cash prize for cutest couple. Hosted by Aki Durham. Cash bar.

5-7 pm - VSB Book Launch & Mixer - FREE
Meet DAMON YOUNG & PANAMA JACKSON, authors of "Your Degrees Won't Keep You Warm at Night: The Very Smart Brothas Guide to Dating, Mating and Fighting Crime."
Part of offCenter.
Co-presented with Very Smart Brothers.

8 pm - The Soul Garden - Tickets $20
Featuring singer/poet/actor WES FELTON w/ Special guest soul songstress
TAMIKA "LOVE" JONES - both of Washington D.C.
Co-presented with Charismatic Nightlife.

Friday, February 11

9 pm - The Sanctuary Revisited featuring EARGASM
An open mic/poetry slam night w/ live band in our own eclectic, romantic and jazzy version of the Sanctuary, the fictitious and intimate nightclub where Love Jones' characters "Darius" and "Nina" meet.
Cost: $5 cover at the door. Cash bar.
Co-presented by The Minority Networking Exchange

Saturday, February 12

6:30 pm - Reception w/ THEODORE WITCHER, writer and director of Love Jones. Tickets: $15
8 pm - Love Jones film screening, with special performance by August Wilson Center Dance Ensemble. Q&A moderated by Hollywood Producer LEAH KEITH.
Cost: $1

Sunday, February 13

3 pm - Brunch
4 pm - Soul Line Dancing and Steppers Set Competition
Step in the name of love with BILL FORD and ROLAND FORD & FRIENDS as they lead everyone in an afternoon of soulful Chicago-style steppin'. Cash prize for best couple (judged on appearance and dance skills). Special guest judges, including DONNA BAXTER of The Soul Pitt.
Seating is limited.
Tickets: $30 per couple; $20 individuals

Thursday, February 17

5 pm - offCenter - FREE
Special Guest Curator VANESSA GERMAN. Hosted by Aki Durham. Cash bar and food available for purchase.

Click link or above flyer for larger view

FOR TICKETS
Call 412.456.6666, visit the Box Office at Theater Square or buy on-line at CulturalDistrict.org.
For group discounts, call 412.471.6930.

Tickets also are available at the
August Wilson Center Box Office
or by calling 412.338.8742.