Detroit Ace joins Detroit Public Schools Community District and key organizations announce “An Evening of Fine Arts" at Fox Theatre on May 15

• Tickets are FREE and Available to the Public at Eventbrite.com

The City of Detroit Office of Arts, Culture and Entrepreneurship (Detroit ACE) is proud to partner with key organizations to host the Detroit Public Schools Community District’s (DPSCD) annual An Evening of Fine Arts for the third consecutive year at the Fox Theatre.

The event, which celebrates its 55th anniversary, will begin at 6 p.m. on Wednesday, May 15. 

Comerica Bank, 313 Presents, Olympia Development, Ilitch Sports + Entertainment also are partners.  

The free public extravaganza will feature performances by DPSCD’s top instrumental music ensembles, vocal music ensembles and dance companies as well as theatre excerpts. In addition, original works of art by the district’s top visual artists will be displayed in the Fox Theatre’s Grand Lobby. 

Although admission to An Evening of Fine Arts is free and open to the public, tickets are required for entry and are available in advance at participating schools, the DPSCD Office of Fine Arts and Eventbrite.com.  

“It is impossible not to have goosebumps while watching our students perform at this event,” said Dr. Nikolai Vitti, Superintendent of DPSCD. “We are grateful for the support we have received as a District to bring back this event to the Fox Theatre. It means so much to our students and their teachers and families. If you did not attend the event last year, you need to attend this year. The performances match any professional concert!”   

The Ilitch Companies and 313 Presents have supported Detroit Public Schools students over the years and An Evening of Fine Arts is a natural extension of that partnership, which has included financial and in-kind donations, internships and educational programs. 

“When you watch these talented students display their excellence and creativity, it is nothing short of inspirational,” said Chris Ilitch, CEO of Ilitch Companies. “Their dedication and talent are testaments to their own hard work and the support of their teachers, families and school community. The Evening of Fine Arts is an amazing example of how working together can uplift and engage, and we are grateful that our long-standing partnership with the Detroit Public Schools Community District gives us the opportunity to showcase these young people on the stage of the historic Fox Theatre.” 

“The extraordinary talent of students throughout the entire Detroit Public Schools Community District is truly impressive and makes the Evening of the Fine Arts at the Fox Theatre a special and signature event for the City of Detroit,” said Steve Davis, President of Comerica Bank Michigan Market. “We look forward to seeing what is in store this year, and we are honored to partner in helping amplify the artistic, performative and gifted spirit that resonates through the teens of our community.” 

313 Presents President Howard Handler agreed. 

“313 Presents is excited to continue its commitment to Detroit Public Schools Community District’s An Evening of Fine Arts at the Fox Theatre. This occasion not only serves as a platform for students to showcase their remarkable talents on such a prestigious stage but also ignite a collective spirit within the community to rally behind our youth and champion their aspirations. We can’t wait to see the great performances the students have in store for us this year." 

Rochelle Riley, the City of Detroit’s Director of Arts and Culture, said, “It is vital that we not only celebrate excellence, but celebrate it early. Our children who want to become part of one of the nation’s most vibrant and accomplished creative workforces need to know that they don’t have to leave Detroit to be great, and they can take great stages before Carnegie Hall. They can be showcased at one of our preeminent venues – the Fox Theatre. They deserve it, and so does the city. I cannot wait to see them shine.” 

For more information about An Evening of Fine Arts, visit Detroitk12.org. Follow the district on Facebook at Detroit Public Schools Community District, Twitter at @Detroitk12, and Instagram at @Detroitk12. 

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About Detroit Public Schools Community District  

Detroit Public Schools Community District (DPSCD) is Michigan’s largest public education system. It is governed by a locally elected, seven-member board with Dr. Nikolai Vitti serving as superintendent. The District’s mission is to provide every student with a beneficial and rightful educational experience, preparing students to be career and college ready, and qualified to compete in the global market.  For more information, visit detroitk12.org and follow @detroitk12 on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.     

About 313 Presents 

313 Presents is Detroit’s premier live entertainment company. Inspired by the soul of Detroit, 313 Presents promotes and produces concerts, theatrical productions, sporting events and family shows at six world-class venues across southeast Michigan including Little Caesars Arena, the historic Fox Theatre featuring Proud Partner Comerica Bank, Comerica Park, Pine Knob Music Theatre Presented by Proud Partners United Wholesale Mortgage, Trinity Health and Ally, Meadow Brook Amphitheatre Presented by Proud Partner Oakland University Credit Union and Michigan Lottery Amphitheatre. Headquartered in The District Detroit, 313 Presents is a joint venture between Ilitch Sports + Entertainment and Pistons Sports & Entertainment. For additional information, visit 313Presents.com.  

About Olympia Development of Michigan 

Olympia Development of Michigan is a real estate development firm dedicated to improving the lives of people in Detroit and is proud to be part of the Ilitch Companies family of businesses.  Olympia Development is responsible for The District Detroit, a dynamic sports and entertainment destination that unites world-class entertainment venues, four professional sports teams and includes retail, residential, educational, and commercial office developments along with other real estate developments throughout Southeast Michigan.   

About Ilitch Sports + Entertainment 

Ilitch Sports + Entertainment (IS+E) provides world-class sports and entertainment experiences to fans, guests, and corporate partners. IS+E was formed as the shared business arm of the storied Detroit Red Wings and Detroit Tigers, Olympia Parking, and The District Detroit, the region’s emerging epicenter of entertainment in the heart of the city. Ilitch Sports + Entertainment operates the award-winning Little Caesars Arena, Comerica Park, and the iconic Fox Theatre, all within a four-block radius in The District Detroit. It also maintains a joint venture interest in 313 Presents and provides facility management services for Pine Knob Music Theatre, Michigan Lottery Amphitheatre at Freedom Hill, and the Meadowbrook Amphitheatre. 

About Comerica Bank 

Comerica Bank, a subsidiary of Comerica Incorporated, has served Michigan longer than any other bank with a continuous presence dating back over 172 years to its Detroit founding in 1849. It is the largest bank employer in metro Detroit and over 4,500 employees (FTE) statewide. With one of the largest banking center networks in Michigan, Comerica nurtures lifelong relationships with unwavering integrity and financial prudence. Comerica positively impacts the lives of Michigan residents by helping customers be successful, providing financial support that assists hundreds of charitable organizations, and actively participating in Detroit’s downtown revitalization. Comerica Incorporated (NYSE: CMA) is a financial services company strategically aligned by three business segments: The Commercial Bank, The Retail Bank, and Wealth Management. Follow on Facebook: www.facebook.com/Comerica, Twitter: @ComericaBank and Instagram: @comerica_bank. 

About The City of Detroit Office of Arts, Culture, and Entrepreneurship 

Established in 2019, the City’s Office of Arts, Culture, and Entrepreneurship oversees the City’s investment in and support of one of the best and brightest creative workforces in the country. The Office also works to ensure that opportunities to experience arts and culture in all its forms are available to residents year-round across the city. The Office's work is guided by Rochelle Riley, Director of Arts and Culture for the City. More information can be found at www.detroitartsandculture.com.