In 1961, the original 13 Freedom Riders boarded a bus in Washington, DC bound for New Orleans via Mississippi and Alabama. They barely made it out of Alabama alive. Over the course of the next three months, approximately 300 other riders took up the mantle and followed the path of those first brave few. Mobs brutally assaulted many. Others were arrested and, instead of posting bail, chose to serve sentences in one of the most brutal prisons in the South, Parchman Farm, proving the Freedom Riders and the movement to desegregate interstate travel would not be deterred. Presented in the style of the variety shows of yesteryear, this moving production explores three of the tensest months of 1961.

The Parchman Hour is being produced by special arrangement with Mike Wiley Productions.

At the Carrollwood Cultural Center, magic is around every corner. Music fills the air, colors dress the walls, dancers float on stage and drama evokes emotion. The Center has been honored to host an array of local talents from visual artists, instrumentalists, singers, dancers and theatre groups. We look forward to introducing more area talent through future performances and concerts. Who knows? Perhaps our next headliner will be you!