The Performance Series
The Yaya's Cultural Heritage Performance Series moves through different spaces, eras, sounds, and traditions within Black culture. Each chapter explores a distinct piece of cultural history through immersive artistic experiences designed to educate, entertain, and bring people together.
Every chapter pairs history and live artistic expression with the social traditions that have long surrounded Black cultural spaces. Guests are invited to gather, experience the art, and enjoy food and drinks available for purchase at every event.
Tap a chapter to open its program
Newsroom
Lead Story · Funding
Feb 2026
Arts Council of Fayetteville / Cumberland County
Backing from the Arts Council of Fayetteville/Cumberland County will help extend Yaya's Cultural Heritage Performance Series into a second full season.
Read StoryMore from Yaya's
In the Press · Feb 2026
The Fayetteville Observer
Organization News · Mar 2026
Cool Spring Downtown District
The Review · Apr 2024
The Exclusive Press
History deserves astanding ovation.
The Performance Schedule
Each signature production is a recurring experience with performances announced throughout the year. Here's what's coming next.
Blues • Soul • Spoken Word
An intimate evening of blues, soul, and spoken word featuring live music, guest poets, a special performance by Ashlee Connors, and DJ Tommi Lee. Hookah by BLO, food for purchase, and a fully stocked bar. Only 50 guests admitted.
Upcoming Performances
Yaya's Indigo Room
Blues • Soul • Cabaret
November 21, 2026
Fayetteville, NC · Location shared with ticket holders
7:30 PM · Special performance by Ashlee Connors · DJ Tommi Lee
General admission $10 · Reserved cocktail tables $20 per person · Premium couches $50 per person.
Yaya’s Juke Joint: A Musical Revue
Theater • Blues • Storytelling
Saturday, January 16, 2027
The Clayton Center, 111 E. Second Street, Clayton, NC
7:30 PM · ON SALE NOW · Presented by Book Black Women, Inc. & The Clayton Center
Additional performances will be announced.
Dates are announced as each performance is confirmed. Productions return throughout the year.
The Archive
“It felt like the room was holding its breath.”
Audience Note · November 2025
Backstage Pass
Every seat filled, every hand raised keeps this cultural institution alive.
From Book Black Women Inc
Arts Council of Fayetteville / Cumberland County
North Carolina Arts Council
Cool Spring Downtown District
Venue Partners
The Executive Series
The Palace
Holy Trinity Episcopal Church
Cameo Art House Theatre
Supported in part through the Arts Council of Fayetteville / Cumberland County’s Grassroots Arts Program, funded by the North Carolina Arts Council, a division of the Department of Natural and Cultural Resources. Book Black Women, Inc. receives this support through fiscal agent services provided by Cool Spring Downtown District.