Calaboose hosts Second Annual Gala

Looking for a perfect Valentine venue this year? Don’t hit the road, stay in San Marcos and enjoy dinner, inspiration, dancing and support a cultural anchor of the community.

Multiple dimensions of love and soul will abound at the Second Annual Calaboose African American History Museum’s Valentine-themed Gala and Fundraiser Saturday, Feb. 9 at the San Marcos Activity Center.

The evening will begin at 5:30 p.m. with a mix and mingle. Dinner will be provided by Keme’s Bar-B-Q at 6, the program will begin at 6:30 and music and dancing at will go until 9:30. A silent auction of original art and other items will be available throughout the evening.

The keynote speaker will be Dr. Scott Bowman, the special advisor to the provost on Inclusion and Diversity at Texas State University. Dr. Bowman has been an associate professor of Criminal Justice at the university for 12 years. Christine Sellers, professor and director of the school of criminal justice, lauds Bowman as a great asset.

“Bowman is one of the most reasonable and logical individuals I have ever encountered,” Sellers said. “He understands human interaction in the way most intellectuals don’t, and it makes him an outstanding individual.”

In his new advisory role, Bowman will work to create an inclusive and diverse faculty experience, help facilitate more diverse courses and assist in hiring a high-performance staff. The effect, he believes, should directly impact students’ life experiences.

“As (students) go into a global market, having knowledge of diverse and inclusive ideas, principles and concepts of knowledge can only make the students stronger,” Bowman said.

At the Gala, Dr. Bowman will address the significance of community diversity and empowerment to education at all levels.

Noted jazz singer Pamela Hart and her quintet will provide entertainment for the night, including several compositions by San Marcos-born electric guitar pioneer Eddie Durham. 

Musical entertainment will be provided by The Pamela Hart Quintet. Born in Los Angeles, California, Hart moved to Austin in 1982, she has become highly regarded as Austin’s finest jazz vocalist.

Hart joined the Black Arts Alliance in 1991 and introduced them to the Black Women in Jazz Project. In 1993, she and her husband Kevin Hart formed HartBeat Productions, and in 1994 they founded the Women in Jazz Association, Inc.

For her 30 years of performing, teaching, coaching and supporting jazz, Hart has been noted by Austin Women’s Magazine as “Austin’s First Lady of Jazz,”and has received a long list of awards, including Texas State University’s Outstanding Alumni Award. In 2018, she was inducted into the Austin Jazz Society Hall of Fame.

“The jazz vocalist has the freedom to take you on a musical journey riding on instrumental cords while interpreting meaningful lyrics," Hart said. "It’s a space where you can be free to be yourself and make a song your own.”

Along with Hart in the Quintet are Ryan D. Howard, keyboardist, organist, pianist and vocalist; Terrance McDaniel, drummer and percussionist; Aaron Allen, composer and acoustic bassist; and Ben Shelton, guitarist.

Several compositions by Eddie Durham that have had lyrics written for them will be included in the program.

The Calaboose African American Museum was founded by Johnnie Armstead in 1997. Its mission is to collect, preserve and interpret the history of African Americans in San Marcos and Hays County. Following the untimely passing of its founder and subsequent major repairs to the building, the Calaboose reopened with a new look and fresh resolve to bring new life to its mission.

Last year’s Gala was a celebration of the Calaboose’s 20th Anniversary; this year marks a commitment on the part of the Calaboose to build on its growing role in the community.

The funds raised will update its technology and invest in innovative programs and new exhibits for all ages. A portion of the profits will also support the Johnnie Armstead Memorial Scholarship fund.

Tickets for the Gala are $35 per person or $250 for a table of eight. They can be purchased online at the Calaboose Facebook Event page, at Splash Coworking, 325 N. LBJ Dr. or from Ramika Adams at adams.ramika@gmail.com or 512-787-0364 or Linda Kelsey-Jones at LKJ@centurytel.net or 512-787-2892. Seating is limited and tickets will go soon.