June is Black Music Month! Black Music Month celebrations around the nation
From Philadelphia to Memphis, you’ll be sure to gain a deeper appreciation of African-American music through these events.
Northwest
San Francisco, CA: Family Free Day at MoAD
– Perfect event for visitors throughout California –
Known as a dynamic, world class institution based in the city that brought us the San Francisco Sound, The Museum of the African Diaspora (MoAD) unites people in an effort to appreciate the culture, history and art of people of African descent. In celebration of Black Music Month, MoAD and ScholarShare will host a full day of family activities during a Family Free Day. Expect to enjoy free admission as you participate in an interactive workshop for families on jazz, and a workshop with Rhonda Benin and her band, There Ain’t No Jazz Without the Blues. Ever thought you could be a musical instrument maker? Well, you will have the chance to at the Family Art activity at MoAD that day. Teaching artist Zena Allen will inspire you to make your own musical instrument, which you can then take home with you. Family Free Day takes place Sunday June 23, 2013 from 12:00 pm – 5:00 p.m.
West
Exposition Park, CA: Music of the African Diaspora
– Perfect event for visitors throughout California–
The California African American Museum (CAAM) offers an incredibly enriching series called Films @ CAAM that presents an eclectic offering of films, sometimes bringing attention to controversial themes. During June, Films @ CAAM will highlight movies in a series called Music of the African Diaspora. Featured films include documentaries on reggae legend Bob Marley, and Afrobeat great, Fela. All screenings are free and open to the public. RSVPing is encouraged. Call 213.744.2024 for more information.
Los Angeles, CA: Beyoncé kicks off the BET Experience at L.A. Live
– Perfect event for visitors throughout California–
Celebrate Black Music Month with R&B pop singer Beyoncé Knowles, who will be performing right in the heart of Los Angeles at the Staples Center on June 28. Part of the BET Experience at L.A. Live event series, music lovers of all generations will appreciate one of the best-selling music artists of all time up close and personal. Expect an electrifying performance with renditions of many of her hits including “Single Ladies (Put a Ring on It)”, “Crazy in Love” and “Sweet Dreams.” This concert not only kicks of Beyoncé’s North American tour, but also leads up to the BET Awards showcase scheduled for June 30.
Want to extend your Black Music Month celebration in the area? Then, there’s no need to leave town after the Beyoncé concert. Stick around for live performances by Erykah Badu, New Edition, R. Kelly, MC Lyte, and The Jacksons as part of the BET Experience. From rap icons to musical maestros, this is one celebration during Black Music Month that serves up several major players in black music history. Click here for ticket information and more details.
South
Atlanta, GA: Kindred The Family Soul
– Perfect event for visitors throughout the Southeast–
Where there’s love, there’s music and where there’s music, you’re sure to find some soul not too far behind. So this month, celebrate Black Music Month by basking in the musical glory of married couple Aja Graydon and Fatin Dantzler, who make up the dynamic R&B duo Kindred The Family Soul. They are scheduled to take the stage live in concert on Friday, June 28 at the Center Stage Theater in Atlanta. Inspired by musical legends such as Ashford and Simpson, Roberta Flack, Donny Hathaway and many more, Kindred The Family Soul blends new age urban conscious lyrics with a unique style of R&B. This is a show for all ages, so bring the whole family and make it a summer affair to remember.
Austin, TX: Texas Music Museum
– Perfect event for visitors throughout the Midsouth area–
What better way to celebrate Black Music Month than with a historical journey down memory lane at the Texas Music Museum in Austin? After 25 years of research gathering, the “Contributions of East Austin African Americans to Music” exhibit has finally opened. This captivating showcase was created to highlight the rich contributions of East Austin’s African-American musicians. Learn how hometown Texas musicians played a integral role in Austin becoming recognized as the “Live Music Capital of the World.” As you walk through the exhibit, you’ll notice the unique photographs of Scott Joplin playing his beloved piano and even display cases full of historic posters of blues and jazz greats throughout time. Come out and explore the evolution of Ragtime, hip-hop and more. Contact the Texas Music Museum for hours and tour information.
Nashville, TN: Concerts with Earth, Wind & Fire, more
– Perfect event for visitors throughout the central Southern area–
This music-infused city — so much so that some just call it “The Music City” — plans to bring out its best for Black Music Month. Grammy Award-winning greats Earth, Wind & Fire will be performing there during Black Music Month, as well as Brandy, Ice Cube, and Darius Rucker. What better place to celebrate “African-American Music Appreciation Month” than in The Music City? Check out this listing for more details on these events.
Wanjira Banfield writes about travel and entertainment for theGrio. You can find her at www.wanjirasworld.com and follow her on Twitter @wanjirasworld.
