(2.20) Don’t miss “The Randall Ashe Story: Celebrating a Rhode Island Legend in Honor of Black History Month,” the next installment in the ‘Wonders of the Wurlitzer’ series at PPAC. The show is free and open to the public, and Mr. Ashe himself will be present.
From his birth in Providence in 1940, to being a touring musician in the 1950s, to the Afro Arts Center in the 1970s, to television production and city events until retirement in the 2010s, Randall Ashe’s life maps the local and national struggles and triumphs of African Americans and the Civil Rights Movement.
Produced by Dr. Christopher West of the African American History Museum, the story will be presented by four youth scholars from Providence’s YouthBuild Preparatory Academy. The Randall Ashe Story will feature the legend himself accompanied by a select group of musicians and PPAC’s House Organist Peter Edwin Krasinski. The museum has Mr. Ashe’s bio:
Starting at age 13, Randall Ashe toured the Northeast as a talented saxophonist and drummer, performing with renowned acts like Big Mama Thornton and Max Roach on circuits like the Chitlin Circuit. His work extended into theater, appearing in productions like Native Son and Finian’s Rainbow. In the 1970s, Ashe transitioned into arts management, bringing major acts like Earth, Wind & Fire and Curtis Mayfield to Providence as the Musical Director of the Afro Arts Center.
Later, he produced local television programs and managed musical groups like The Revlons and Rhythm. Ashe also served the City of Providence in roles such as Special Events Coordinator for the Department of Recreation until his retirement in 2012. Today, Ashe remains active in the community, brightening lives at the Saint Martin de Porres Senior Center.
No ticket required. Attendees are welcome to bring their lunch. Complimentary beverages available.
(Photo collage shows Mr. Krasinski at the organ after it has risen from below.)
Free, noon, Thursday, February 20, PPAC, 220 Weybosset Street, (directions)