Hobby Center Launches New Residency Initiative To Uplift Local Artists' Work

After piloting the program in the 2023-24 Season with ISHIDA Dance Company and Urban Souls Dance Company, The Hobby Center for the Performing Arts' new artist residency initiative will be implemented annually with FLY Dance Company, Houston Ebony Opera Guild, and Ana MaríA Martinez with Andy Einhorn as 2024-25 Season featured partners.

Building on the Hobby Center's mission to serve as a connector, convenor, and incubator, this program leverages the Hobby Center’s technical, administrative, and promotional resources and staff to help extend partners’ existing capacities and amplify their work. The resulting performances bring audiences and artists together through experiences that center connection and community.  

“Over the years we have built lasting relationships with organizations who have rented our spaces. Now, WE are investing in artists and organizations when we partner with them to present their work on our stages,” said Deborah Lugo, Hobby Center Vice President of Programming and Engagement. “We all know the iconic murals and idea that Houston is Inspired. The Hobby Center is committed to supporting local artists, providing Houston audiences with new artistic experiences, and strengthening Houston's arts ecosystem.” 
With extended advance infrastructure support from the Hobby Center team, partner artmakers will participate in a week-long residency at Zilkha Hall to include resources like expert production, technical support, residency stipend, marketing investment, and educational presentations. Each residency will culminate in a public performance at Zilkha Hall, presented by the Hobby Center as part of its annual season.

To kick things off, FLY Dance Company will take the stage this fall with its public performance on Friday, October 4, 2024. FLY alum and US Olympic member for breaking, which recently debuted in the 2024 Summer games, Jeffrey Louis “BBoy Jeffro” hits the stage with his piece “PRIMYE”, symbolizing championing oneself. Infused with vibes of explosive energy and inspired by Haitian and Hip-Hop roots, this performance celebrates the journey of a champion who honors both heritage and relentless spirit.
“It's been a difficult journey. But slowly we started changing people's view of Hip-Hop, pouring into the youth, then working with symphonies across the US and Canada,” said Jorge Casco, FLY Dance Company Executive Director. “Now Jeffrey is an Olympian. I can, but I can't believe it. Hip-Hop made this all possible. Now the Hobby Center is kicking off their residency initiative with FLY... wow, this is what dreams are made of.”

Tickets to FLY Dance Company’s performance are on sale now. Visit TheHobbyCenter.org for more information.

FLY Dance Company | I WiLL FLY: A New Hip-Hop Experience | Friday, October 4, 2024 at 7:00pm

FLY Dance seamlessly blends its symphonic heritage with the vibrant energy of Hip-Hop culture, demonstrating that our commonalities far outweigh our differences. Through dance, FLY showcases how love and unity can transcend all boundaries—uniting races, creeds, and nations.

This dance concert will feature new works from acclaimed choreographer Lorenzo Rennie Harris, renowned for elevating "social" dances to the "concert" stage. Founder Kathy Wood presents her inspiring piece, "Do You Believe," along with selections from her pioneering collaborations with classical orchestras. Additionally, Jorge Casco introduces his piece, “Deeply Rooted,” a compelling fusion of raw Hip-Hop, subtle symphonic elements, and a touch Houston street culture, influenced by both Rennie and Kathy. During the performance, Houston’s own street-artist GONZO247, creator of the Houston is Inspired murals, will create a brand-new artwork live on stage. 

2025 brings Houston Ebony Opera Guild, a company of classical singers sharing opera, traditional Negro Spirituals, and other classical music genres throughout Houston since the 80s, and veteran operatic lyric-spinto and Grammy Award® winning soprano Ana MaríA Martinez with renowned Broadway music director and conductor Andy Einhorn.
More information and on-sale dates for the 2025 spring shows to be released at a later date.

THE HOBBY CENTER 2024-25 ARTIST RESIDENCY PERFORMANCES:

FLY Dance Company | I WiLL FLY: A New Hip-Hop Experience | Friday, October 4, 2024 at 7:00pm

Houston Ebony Opera Guild | Saturday, April 5, 2025 at 7:30pm
Ana MaríA Martinez with Andy Einhorn | Saturday, May 31, 2025 at 7:30pm
TICKETING: Tickets for I WiLL FLY start at $25 and are on sale now online at www.TheHobbyCenter.org and in person at the Hobby Center Box Office (800 Bagby, Houston, TX 77002). Discounts available for groups of 10 or more by calling 713-315-2525, option 4. A limited number of $10 student tickets will be available to purchasers with a valid student ID.

Patrons can become a “Hobby Center Insider” by signing up at thehobbycenter.org/news/stay-connected where they receive perks such as access to purchase tickets before the general public.

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