Detroit Public Schools Community District In Partnership With Key Organizations Announce An Evening Of Fine Arts Fox Theatre May 15 Performance

(DETROIT – April 9, 2024) – Comerica Bank, 313 Presents, Olympia Development, Ilitch Sports + Entertainment and the City Office of Arts, Culture and Entrepreneurship (Detroit ACE) are proud to present Detroit Public Schools Community District’s (DPSCD) annual An Evening of Fine Arts for the third consecutive year at the Fox Theatre (55^th anniversary of EFA) on Wednesday, May 15 at 6 p.m.

The free public event will feature performances by DPSCD’s top instrumental music ensembles, vocal music ensembles and dance companies as well as theatre excerpts. In addition, original works of art by the district’s top visual artists will be displayed in the Fox Theatre’s Grand Lobby.

Although admission to An Evening of Fine Arts is free and open to the public, tickets are required for entry and are available in advance at participating schools, the DPSCD Office of Fine Arts and Eventbrite.com.

“It is impossible not to have goosebumps while watching our students perform at this event,” said Dr. Nikolai Vitti, Superintendent of DPSCD. “We are grateful for the support we have received as a District to bring back this event to the Fox Theatre. It means so much to our students and their teachers and families. If you did not attend the event last year, you need to attend this year. The performances match any professional concert!!!” 

The Ilitch Companies and 313 Presents have supported Detroit Public Schools students over the years and An Evening of Fine Arts is a natural extension of that partnership, which has included financial and in-kind donations, internships and educational programs.

“When you watch these talented students display their excellence and creativity, it is nothing short of inspirational,” said Chris Ilitch, CEO of Ilitch Companies. “Their dedication and talent are testaments to their own hard work and the support of their teachers, families and school community. The Evening of Fine Arts is an amazing example of how working together can uplift and engage, and we are grateful that our long-standing partnership with Detroit Public Schools Community District gives us the opportunity to showcase these young people on the stage of the historic Fox Theatre.”

“The extraordinary talent of students throughout the entire Detroit Public Schools Community District is truly impressive and makes the Evening of the Fine Arts at the Fox Theatre a special and signature event for the City of Detroit,” said Steve Davis, Comerica Bank Michigan Market President. “We look forward to seeing what is in store this year, and we are honored to partner in helping amplify the artistic, performative and gifted spirit that resonates through the teens of our community.”

313 Presents President Howard Handler agreed.

“313 Presents is excited to continue its commitment to Detroit Public Schools Community District’s An Evening of Fine Arts at the Fox Theatre. This occasion not only serves as a platform for students to showcase their remarkable talents on such a prestigious stage but also ignite a collective spirit within the community to rally behind our youth and champion their aspirations. We can’t wait to see the great performances the students have in store for us this year."

Rochelle Riley, the City of Detroit’s Director of Arts and Culture, said, “It is vital that we not only celebrate excellence, but celebrate it early. Our children who want to become part of one of the nation’s most vibrant and accomplished creative workforces need to know that they don’t have to leave Detroit to be great, and they can take great stages before Carnegie Hall. They can be showcased at one of our preeminent venues – the Fox Theatre. They deserve it, and so does the city. I cannot wait to see them shine.”

For more information about An Evening of Fine Arts, visit Detroitk12.org. Follow the district on Facebook at Detroit Public Schools Community District, Twitter at @Detroitk12, and Instagram at @Detroitk12.