For nearly a century, Tampa Theatre has been a gathering place, bringing people together in the heart of downtown Tampa. Community bonds, fast friendships, and even love affairs have all been born out of illuminating, shared experiences at the majestic movie palace.  

In that grand tradition, Tampa Theatre is proud to announce the return of the Black Love Classic Movie Series, presented by TECO. For its second season, the series will center around the theme “Home is Where the Heart Is.” These four films – chosen in collaboration with the City of Tampa’s Community Engagement & Partnerships Department – explore journeys of discovery and the roads that lead back, as told by Black filmmakers and diverse casts.

The first feature film by acclaimed stage and screen director Vincente Minnelli (Meet Me In St. Louis, An American in Paris, Gigi), Cabin in the Sky features an all-Black cast including Ethel Waters, Eddie “Rochester” Anderson and Lena Horne. Most famously, it also features a rare film appearance from Louis Armstrong himself, and Duke Ellington (and his Orchestra) have a showcase musical number.