Black Music Month is here! Some don’t know it, but June was officially declared Black Music Month by our 39th president, Jimmy Carter, back in 1979. This month is dedicated to encouraging people world-wide to pay homage to the musical contributions of African-Americans to culture and society internationally.
For the years that he has been in office, President Barack Obama has christened the start of each Black Music Month with a proclaimation in celebration of what his administration deems, “African-American Music Appreciation Month.” But whatever we want to call it, the month of June is a special time to focus on the history of the African-American community that is embodied in our rich musical legacy.
Since the inception of Black Music Month, many venues, events, and establishments have come into being to help the world celebrate black music traditions. This June, we want everyone to join in on the commemoration, so we’ve compiled a list of some of the top music-themed destinations by region. No matter where you are in America, you can celebrate Black Music Month to the hilt.
From Philadelphia to Atlanta, you’ll be sure to gain a deeper appreciation of African-American music through these events. Will you stick with events near you, or make a short jaunt for a quick summer, educational vacation? Read on and let us know which Black Music Month destinations most appeal to you.
Northeast
Philadelphia, PA: How I Wrote That Song panel
– Perfect event for visitors throughout Pennsylvania and New Jersey–
Time to dust off that three-ring binder full of songs you scribbled up years back and see if you’re ready to step out into the world of professional songwriting. In celebration of Black Music Month, radio stations Hot 107.9 FM and Old School 100.3 FM, in conjunction with Broadcast Music Inc. (BMI) are presenting a How I Wrote That Song panel in Philadelphia, as part of a series put on by BMI. For about the same cost of an unlimited one-day pass on SEPTA, you can take a journey into the minds of some of the best songwriters in the music industry.
This panel discussion taking place on Saturday June 8 at Sigma Sound will give you an insider’s look into the songwriting processes of those who wrote some of your favorite hits — because they will be there in person. Hear from legends like Rock and Roll Hall of Famer and Grammy Award-winning songwriter Kenny Gamble and Grammy Award-winning songwriter, musician and producer, James Mtume. Even if you don’t want to pen the next chart-topper, you can still enjoy basking in the musical wisdom of these greats.
New York, NY: The Late Show’s Gospel Choir
– Perfect event for visitors throughout the New York City tri-state area–
Known for performing with Gloria Estefan, Enrique Iglesias, Darlene Love, Mavis Staples, Martin Shore and Steve Martin, The Late Show’s Gospel Choir will soon take to the stage to celebrate Black Music Month with a riveting celebration concert on Friday June 21 at Southern Baptist Church in New York City. The Late Show’s Gospel Choir was formed to perform frequently with Paul Shaffer on Late Night with David Letterman, but the group has since taken on a life of its own, touring internationally and bringing good cheer with its gospel renditions. Expect a wide range of music — from their remarkable harmonies and soulful renditions of Negro spirituals, to down-home church hymns sung a cappella. The choir even does interpretations of popular traditional and urban gospel. This must-see concert begins at 6 p.m.
Washington, D.C.: DC Jazz Festival & Anita Baker Live
– Perfect events for visitors throughout D.C., Maryland and Virginia–
From the legendary sounds of Louis Armstrong to the hypnotizing harmonies of John Coltrane, prepare to be treated to one of the oldest, longstanding, homegrown genres of black American music: jazz. Join D.C. residents and visitors from all over the area for the 9th annual DC Jazz Festival this Black Music Month. Event organizer, the renowned NEA Jazz Master and 11-time Grammy Award winner Paquito D’Rivera, brought together an incredible group of jazz talent that showcases the legacy of blues and jazz music. This 12-day event, which runs through June 16, is in collaboration with the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts. Expect to see some of jazz music’s up-and-coming talent as well as jazz-influenced artists such as The Roots, the weekly house band on Late Night with Jimmy Fallon.
Once the festival is over, you can return home filled with harmonious bliss, or you can stay in town a bit longer for the sounds of the sultry soul icon and 8-time Grammy Award winner Anita Baker. Her music will be sure to take you on a journey through the evolution of R&B, from her funk band days to the time of her mid-tempo ballads that we simply can’t get enough of. There’s one thing we can expect on June 29 at the Filene Center: Anita Baker will definitely give us “the best that she’s got.”
Midwest
Detroit, MI: Divas Night starring Gladys Knight & Ledisi
– Perfect event for visitors throughout the Northern middle states–
It would be tough to celebrate Black Music Month without a homage to the ladies… or shall I say divas of black music. And there are few divas as magnificent as the Empress of Soul herself, Ms. Gladys Knight. Live from the Fox Theatre on June 7, come and enjoy the Motown songstress croon crowd-pleasing hits such as “ Midnight Train to Georgia” and “Neither One of Us (Wants to Be the First to Say Goodbye).” Everyone in attendance will receive a special treat from guest performer, Grammy Award-winning artist Ledisi. Make it a girlfriend getaway and show the world how real divas celebrate Black Music Month!
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.