Purdue celebrates the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. with Terence Blanchard’s “Fire Shut Up in My Bones” Excerpts in Concert
FREE EVENT celebrates the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. as part of Purdue's week of events and activities.
Purdue University invites the public to experience a profound evening of music, storytelling, and reflection at Terence Blanchard’s Fire Shut Up in My Bones Excerpts in Concert on Tuesday, January 21, 2025, at 7 PM at Loeb Playhouse (Location Changed). This free event, part of the university’s annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. commemoration, is presented by the Purdue University Office of Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging and powered by Purdue Convocations.
The evening will feature legendary trumpeter and composer Terence Blanchard with his ensemble The E-Collective, the acclaimed Turtle Island Quartet, and special guest vocalists Adrienne Danrich and Norman Garrett. The concert, with libretto by Kasi Lemmons, is based on the powerful memoir Fire Shut Up in My Bones by New York Times Op-Ed columnist Charles M. Blow, and includes stunning visuals by artist Andrew F. Scott.
This unique theatrical concert explores themes of trauma, resilience, and redemption through excerpts from Blanchard’s groundbreaking opera of the same name. The original opera, which made history as the first by a Black composer performed at the Metropolitan Opera, portrays the transformative journey of Charles Blow as he confronts the profound scars of his past.
Highlights of the performance include selections such as “Tears of Anger and Shame,” “Peculiar Grace,” and “There Was a Storm,” which delve deeply into the emotional core of Charles’s story. Through the evocative blending of jazz, opera, and cinematic storytelling, the audience will be drawn into a narrative that navigates the crossroads between revenge and healing, offering an experience that is as haunting as it is cathartic.
This event is made possible through the generous support of Purdue University Office of Diversity, Inclusion and Belonging, Purdue Convocations, Hall of Music Productions, NeoVision Optical, Union Club Hotel, and 8Eleven Modern Bistro.
Event Details
- Terence Blanchard’s “Fire Shut Up in My Bones” Excerpts in Concert
- Tuesday, January 21, 2025 | 7:00 PM
- Location Change: Loeb Playhouse in Stewart Center, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN
- Admission: FREE (ticket required)
This event is a testament to the transformative power of the arts to inspire dialogue and understanding, aligning with Dr. King’s enduring vision of justice, equality, and healing. Don’t miss this extraordinary evening celebrating resilience and artistry.
For more information and to secure FREE tickets, please visit https://convocations.purdue.edu/event/fire-shut-up-in-my-bones-2025/.
About the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Commemorative at Purdue University
The Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Commemorative honors the life and legacy of Dr. King through programs and events that challenge, inspire, and empower the Purdue community and beyond. For more details and additional events, visit lifeat.purdue.edu/mlk
Contact:
Purdue University Office of Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging
diversity@purdue.edu
Purdue Convocations
convos@purdue.edu