A secret supper, a porch party, freedom concerts and even a “Soul Train” experience: Welcome to Black Box Blackout 2026.
For the fifth year, Brevard jazz singer Kristen Warren is reaching into her seemingly endless supply of creativity to engineer a month-long series of programming that celebrates black creativity in a variety of mediums, from painting to food.
Through the years, Warren, who has sung professionally in New York City, London and Nashville, has spent considerable time and effort in this labor of love she presents to local audiences during Black History Month, which also happens to be the month for Valentines.
“Since our inaugural season in 2022, Black Box has featured over two hundred Black artists and has hosted over a thousand attendees,” Warren said, who added that the 2026 iteration stresses quality over quantity.
“Season One had 12 events, this season only has five, but these are five unique events, with local legends on the bill.”
The name is a nod to Warren’s favorite type of stage, those highly flexible and intimate spaces known as black box theaters.
“‘Blackout’ basically means we’re blacking out the calendar with as much Black programming as possible,” Warren added.
By focusing on immersive experiences scattered during Black History Month, Warren showcases a sampling of the immense pool of talent she feels remains underrepresented in the Space Coast. Warren is dedicating this year’s program to the memory of her grandfather, Samuel Ervin Warren, who passed away in December 2024.
“My grandfather so loved the arts,” she said. “We consider season five a milestone, so it’s important for this season to be special.”
Black Box Blackout launches with the opening of the “Black Girl Art Exhibit” from 5 to 8 p.m., Sunday, Feb. 1, at Moonstruck Market, 329 N. Babcock St., Melbourne.
“Moonstruck Market hosts our very special visual art show featuring a lineup of Black female painters from Brevard,” Warren said.
Guests will enjoy music, live art and bubbly beverages. The exhibit will remain at Moonstruck through the end of February. Admission to the opening reception is $10.
Black Box Blackout continues with a “Porch Party” from 1 to 4 p.m., on Saturday, Feb. 7, at the historic William H. Gleason House, 1736 Pineapple Ave., Melbourne. This party for the entire family turns the porch of the 140-year-old home into a stage for live music. Guests will enjoy barbecue, vendors, live art and a vinyl store. Admission is free.
Come aboard the “Soul Train Experience” from 8 to 11 p.m., Friday, Feb. 20, at Pineapples, 1434 Pineapple Ave. in the Eau Gallie Arts District.
“Come cut a rug with us, 1970s style,” Warren said.
The experience includes soulful sounds by the Blackout Band and beats by SHARP. Dress groovy if you want the prize for the best dressed. Tickets are $10 online and $15 at the door.
Supper is a delicious secret during the “Secret Supper Club” from 6 to 9 p.m., Saturday, Feb. 21, when a mystery local chef (Hint: this person runs three restaurants) prepares a one-of-a-kind menu to be experienced in a beautiful but secret location in Brevard. Details will be revealed one week before the event. Tickets are $80 for the tasting menu and $140 for the menu with wine pairings. Admission is limited to 40 participants.
“The Bridge: Songs of Freedom” ends the series with performances at 7 p.m., Friday, Feb. 27, and 1 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 28, at Funky Dog Improv, 587 W. Eau Gallie Blvd., #101, Melbourne.
This two-act presentation is a musical journey of the Black experience from the Civil Rights Movement to the present. Enjoy a playlist of jazz, soul, gospel and anthems of freedom. The show features some of Brevard’s best musical talent. Tickets are $25 online.
To purchase all tickets, visit blackboxblackout.com. More information can also be found on facebook.com/BlackBoxBlackout.
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