February 11, 2025
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Joliet Bicentennial Park to host Black History month celebration

‘Stamped Into History’ will include drama and music

By Denise M. Baran-Unland
The rhythm and blues band Standing Room Only will perform a rhythm and blues concert Saturday night and a gospel concert Sunday afternoon at the Billie Limacher Bicentennial Park in Joliet. The musical performances are part of a three-day Black History Month celebration at Bicentennial Park called "Stamped into History."

The rhythm and blues band Standing Room Only will perform a rhythm and blues concert Saturday night, Feb. 15, and a gospel concert Sunday afternoon, Feb. 16 at Billie Limacher Bicentennial Park in Joliet. (Photo provided by the Billie Limacher Bicentennial Park Theatre)

The Billie Limacher Bicentennial Park Theatre in Joliet will host three days of free, all-ages performances for Black History Month – and each performance is unique.

“Stamped Into History” will be held 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday and 2 p.m. Sunday at Bicentennial Park, located at 201 W. Jefferson St. in Joliet.

LWCLeads is producing “Stamped Into History.”

This is the third year Bicentennial Park is hosting the event – with a new lineup – although “Stamped” creator Larry Crawford has presented the program in schools and churches for years, he previously said.

Crawford said “Stamped into History” was initially a historical presentation by students and adults.

Larry Crawford, left, talks with Marcel L. Richardson at a special Joliet Electoral Board meeting at Joliet City Hall on Tuesday, Dec. 3, 2024 in Joliet.

Larry Crawford, left, talks with Marcel L. Richardson at a special Joliet Electoral Board meeting at Joliet City Hall on Tuesday, Dec. 3, 2024 in Joliet. Crawford is the creator of the longtime "Stamped into History" performance in honor of Black History Month. (Gary Middendorf)

“They would depict characters, African Americans, who had been honored on United States postage stamps,” Crawford previously said, stressing these African Americans were honored for their contributions to the U.S. and not because they were Black.

“And then I would sprinkle in other kinds of artistic performances in between those speeches and depictions of those characters. And that made for a full program,” he said.

This year’s lineup includes “Special Delivery” at 7 p.m. Friday, which includes actors portraying African Americans honored by the U.S. Postal System, and professional flautist Gwen Cain of Joliet.

“Soulsville” at 7 p.m. Saturday is a rhythm and blues variety show featuring live music from the 60s, 70s, and 80s performed by the band, “Standing Room Only.” Attendees are welcome to dance; room in front will be provided.

“Hymns & Gems for HIM” at 4 p.m. Sunday will again feature Standing Room Only along with other guest soloists and musicians in a gospel music performance.

Crawford hopes attendees leave edified and uplifted.

“I’m hoping they enjoy the excellence of artistry and gain some enrichment – education, even,” Crawford previously said. “Certainly we just want you to be blessed.”

The three-day celebration also includes vendors of custom-designed African garments and jewelry in the lobby, a cash bar and refreshments available for sale.

The lobby opens one hour before each performance.

Free will donations are accepted for the performers, who are donating their time.

For information, visit bicentennialpark.org or call 815-724-3761.

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