The Power of Black Theatre

There’s something extraordinary happening here at the International Black Theatre Festival.

Every performance of Cross That River was sold out, and they were turning people away at the door. But what has moved me most isn’t simply the full houses. It’s the way this story is resonating with audiences who have traveled here from across America and around the world. They laugh together, cry together, and rise to their feet together.

The International Black Theatre Festival is much more than a showcase of great performances. It is a celebration of Black artistry at its finest—wholesome, uplifting, thought-provoking, and joyful. At a time when so much of the news feels heavy, being surrounded by artists committed to telling meaningful stories reminds me why we create in the first place.

I truly believe Cross That River is the strongest it has ever been. Our director, Bill Soleau, has meticulously shaped every moment, paying attention to the smallest details until the production now shines with remarkable clarity, definition, and color.

Every member of this cast has brought something deeply personal to these performances. When Maya Azucena sings I Must Believe, the audience erupts in applause before the final note has faded. When Jeffery Lewis brings the house down with I’m Going to Soar, my own heart soars hearing these songs come alive through such an extraordinary performer. Elizah Knight gives Courtney—the plantation owner’s daughter—such grace, compassion, and humanity that audiences can’t help but empathize with her impossible circumstances during slavery. That complexity is exactly what theatre should do.

My deepest thanks go to Jackie Alexander, the festival’s artistic director, for believing in this production and giving us four opportunities to present it before packed houses. The confidence and momentum this festival has given us something we'll carry long after we leave North Carolina.

(Below from l - r). Rick Germanson, Damon DueWhite, Alan Grubner, Jeffery Lewis, Allan Harris, Maya Azucena, Seth Johnson, Jay White, Elizah Knight

The musicians have been nothing short of extraordinary. I wanted heavy hitters, and that’s exactly who joined me. American Piano Awards winner Rick Germanson brings brilliance and elegance to every performance. Alan Grubner combines classical mastery with the heart of bluegrass on violin. My favorite grooving, singing bassist, Jay White, fresh off a Grammy-winning year with Robert Randolph, anchors everything with soul. I flew Seth Johnson in from Los Angeles because I knew his guitar would elevate the music, and Damon DueWhite once again proves why he’s one of my favorite drummers, laying down the groove with authority on drums and cajón

None of this would have happened without months of planning, rehearsing, fundraising, and problem-solving. And none of it would have happened without my wife, Pat Harris. She wears more hats than anyone should have to—producer, stage manager, projectionist—and somehow keeps everything moving while making it all look effortless. No production is complete without exceptional sound, and we were fortunate to have our favorite sound engineer, Santiago Leon, at the helm. His expertise and meticulous attention to detail kept the audio soaring, allowing every lyric, every instrument, and every emotion to reach the audience exactly as intended. Joey Moro’s beautiful projections have become an essential part of telling this story, and the entire festival crew has been a joy to work with from beginning to end.

I only wish I’d had more time to see some of the incredible productions being presented this year. From everything I’ve heard, the level of artistry throughout the festival has been exceptional. A review of Cross That River should be coming soon, and I’ll be sure to share it here when it’s published.

Before I sign off, I have to mention my new music.

Swingin’ Love Songs arrives on August 28, but before then another single drops on August 14. It’s track number two, “I’m Hooked On You,” and I have to admit...it’s got a hook that refuses to leave your head. If you haven’t already, I’d love for you to follow me on Spotify and wherever you listen to music. I’ve wrestled with whether to leave the streaming platforms altogether because of how little they value artists, but for now they’re still one of the ways new listeners discover our music.

Finally, one small confession.

On July 30, Pat and I were so immersed in the festival that—for the first time in our lives—we completely forgot our wedding anniversary.

Forty-nine years.

When we finally realized it later that evening, we just laughed. Time has passed far faster than either of us imagined, but one thing has never changed: the gratitude we feel for having found each other so early in life. Love has been the foundation beneath every dream we’ve pursued, every risk we’ve taken, and every adventure we’ve shared.

As always, thank you for walking this journey with us. I wish you peace on your own path, and I hope our roads cross somewhere down the line.

Allan