What is a Black Out?

A Black Out is the purposeful creation of an environment in which an all-Black-identifying audience can experience and discuss an event in the performing arts, film, athletic, and cultural spaces—free from the white gaze.

ABOUT BLUES FOR AN ALABAMA SKY

Harlem, 1930. Where the Blues are getting bluer and the gin is running dry. A free-spirited Cotton Club singer has just been fired with nowhere left to go but down. So, she turns to her best friend, an extravagant costume designer with plans to dress Josephine Baker in Paris. Maybe they can run away together. Or maybe the handsome southerner that just came knocking can offer an even better life. But the saxophone dreams of Harlem rarely end as smoothly as they start.

The legendary Phylicia Rashad (Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom) directs the fearlessly bold, intoxicatingly seductive, and surprisingly contemporary Blues for an Alabama Sky by Pearl Cleage (Oprah’s Book Club selection What Looks Like Crazy On An Ordinary Day) that’s so ahead of its time, it’s right on time.

Parking

Self-Parking is available in The Music Center Garage for $9 at the Grand Ave entrance. (Please note: for weekday matinees please arrive between noon and 2pm and you will be charged $9. Parking before noon is $20.) The garage sometimes fills up on dates when all three theatres at The Music Center are operating.

Valet parking is available for $23 at The Music Center’s Hope Street entrance.

Handicapped Parking is available for patrons displaying a handicapped placard at both The Music Center Garage and valet parking. The charge at both locations is $9. To arrange mobility services from The Music Center garage to the Ahmanson Theatre or Mark Taper Forum, please contact The Music Center Access Disability Line at 213.972.0777.

Parking rates at The Music Center are determined by the County of Los Angeles and are subject to change without notice.

Health and Safety

All guest are required to wear a mask and provide proof of full vaccination along with a government or education issued photo ID upon arrival. Booster shots are strongly recommended. Unvaccinated guests, including children or those with a medical or religious reason must provide proof of a negative PCR COVID-19 test taken no more than 48 hours prior to attendance, or a negative rapid antigen test taken no more than 24 hours prior. All tests must be administered by a professional. At-home tests will not be accepted. No refunds.