Celebration of rhythm to be celebrated Tuesday night at Jackson-Lincoln Swimming Complex

QUINCY — A family arts event is scheduled for 6-8 p.m. Tuesday at Jackson-Lincoln Swimming Complex. It will feature live music, art activities, a meal, and health and sun safety information. The event is free to the public. Those attending should bring a chair and/or blanket.

The evening’s opening act is the Beat Arts Academy at 6 p.m., followed by the Gentlemen of Vision on stage at 6:30 p.m.

Gentlemen of Vision is a 14-time national champion step dance troupe from a program that serves at-risk youths from the St. Louis area. The organization supports high school males through community-based mentoring, college/career readiness programs and volunteer activities that guarantee all members are socially and academically prepared for post-secondary experiences. The dance team performs and competes in numerous shows annually to showcase step skills.

Step dancing is an energetic and rhythmic style of dance that uses body motion to create the sounds of percussion. Stomping, clapping, elements of tap dance plus origins in African traditional dancing combine to create the unique sound and look of Step. The current artform began in African American fraternities and sororities in the early 1900s. Today it is a competitive dance form practiced all over the world.

Local not-for-profit arts organizations will be on-site with various activities and stations to introduce the audience to Quincy’s fine arts and culture scene.

In a press release, Laura Sievert, executive director of Arts Quincy, said, “We’re thrilled to announce the return of these summertime arts events that are free and accessible to the whole community. We hope whole families will join us and not only participate in watching the entertainment but also learn a little more about what Quincy’s fine arts society has to offer students and families. Increasing access to quality arts and culture programming is among Arts Quincy’s most important functions.”

“At Blessing Health, we see our patients in their entirety including body, mind and spirit,” said Maureen Kahn, president/CEO, Blessing Health and Blessing Hospital. “The arts move people in the same way through body, mind and spirit, so our partnership with Arts Quincy is a natural one for us. Our relationship with the individuals and families who use Jackson-Lincoln Pool began more than a decade ago and grows stronger each year.”

These programs are made possible through funding by Arts Quincy, J.W. Gardner II Foundation, Blessing Health System and the Illinois Arts Council.

For more information, contact Arts Quincy at office@artsquincy.org or call 217-222-3432.