Rowan University in Glassboro, NJ is hosting a series of events through 2027 honoring African American artists, featuring music, dance, and storytelling as part of the Marie Rader Series. Programs are open to the public and students.
Rowan University in Glassboro, New Jersey has announced a multi-year series of events celebrating African American artists and their stories, with programming scheduled through 2027. The initiative, part of the ongoing Marie Rader Series, aims to highlight the contributions of Black artists through music-centered storytelling, public presentations, and community engagement.
The Marie Rader Series is designed to broaden access to the performing arts for residents of southern New Jersey. According to Rowan University, the series draws hundreds of first-time attendees each year and includes outreach and coaching opportunities for students in the region.
Upcoming Events and Performances
The 2026-2027 "Life & Liberty" season will begin in the fall with "Sounds Like America," a musical conversation featuring musicians Lara Downes and Rhiannon Giddens. The season continues in January with a performance by Grammy Award-winning artists Dee Dee Bridgewater and Bill Charlap, who will explore American music across different eras and genres. The works of influential composers such as Duke Ellington will be featured prominently in these programs.
For Black History Month in 2027, the university will present "American Street Dancer," a show that combines live hip-hop orchestra, beatboxers, a DJ, and dancers to examine social and economic history through movement. In March 2027, "The Snowy Day and Other Stories by Ezra Jack Keats" will offer a family-friendly puppetry performance, free for children 12 and under, followed by a question-and-answer session with the cast. Tickets for all events are set to go on sale on Friday.
Community Impact and Support
The Marie Rader Series is supported by the Henry M. Rowan Family Foundation through the Marie Rader Memorial Fund, along with assistance from the New Jersey State Council on the Arts. Organizers say the series is intended to foster a sense of connection and cultural enrichment for both the university community and the wider region.
Rowan University reports that the series has become a significant cultural fixture in southern New Jersey, offering residents and students opportunities to engage with nationally recognized artists and diverse forms of artistic expression. The programming is curated to encourage ongoing conversations about history, identity, and the arts.
The Marie Rader Series is part of Rowan University's broader commitment to community engagement and arts education. The university regularly updates its event schedule and ticketing information on its official website, and encourages local residents to participate in upcoming performances and outreach activities.
