Each year, we come together in June to celebrate Black Music Month, a time to honor the significant impact that black musicians have made. Established by President Jimmy Carter in 1979, the month-long observance recognizes these artists’ role in shaping musical genres such as jazz, gospel, blues, and more. As we take a moment to highlight this month, here’s a list of events you can attend to celebrate black artists and their music.
For starters, the Virginia Creative Collective is partnering with iHeartMedia to deliver a series of three free music events throughout June. These thoroughly curated festivities aim to showcase the cultural significance of black music. On June 15th, visit the 29th and Green Bistro in Hampton for The R&B Experience. If you miss out on the event, do no worry; The Annex in Norfolk will host Nickelus F and several local artists on June 22nd. The final free event of the month will take place on June 26th at the RVA BoomBox in Richmond.
If your soul is craving the sounds of spiritual music, then the state of Georgia has you covered. On June 8th at 5:00 pm, the 2nd annual South GA Gospel Music Festival is set to take place to honor black music month. The free event promises to deliver an evening of encouraging and inviting music. Additionally, the festival has partnered with The South Street Community Care House as their highlighted non-profit. All donations collected and a percentage of the festival’s proceeds will go towards fixing up South Street’s facility and supporting their efforts to provide education and meals for the community. So, grab your lawn chairs, tents, and blankets and prepare for a upliftment night!
Next on our list is the Nearest Green Distillery and the National Museum of African American Music (NMAAM) teaming up to bring an unforgettable experience through the rich history of African American music and whiskey. Attendees will begin their day at the NMAAM in Nashville, exploring the significant contributions of African Americans in music genres. Afterward, guests will be taken on a guided tour and will have a whiskey tasting at Nearest Green Distillery, which happens to be the first known African American master distiller. Tickets to this experience are $99.99 and will include admission to the NMAAM, transportation to the distillery, whiskey tasting, and guided tour. However, food and cocktails are excluded.
Speaking of NMAAM, the museum will also host an array of events on their own for the month. Starting on June 3rd and ended on June 26th, the NMAAM will take you on a journey through music camps, mixology classes, movie showings, concerts, panel discussions, and even a block party. Each event is designed to meet the ends of every attendee no matter what you’re looking for. Additionally, the museum will also highlight pride month with hip-hop karaoke and celebrate Juneteenth with special programmings and a mixology class.
Lastly, if getting out and socializing isn’t on your to-do list, then tune into NPR’s Tiny Desk concert series this month as they will feature an all-female lineup in celebration of black music month. According to producer and host Bobby Carter, the reason behind the lineup is to give “female musicians their flowers.” Slated to kick off on June 3rd, the lineup is set to feature Chaka Khan, Tems, Teairra Whack, SWV, Flo Milli, Kierra Sheard, Me’Shell, Brittney Spencer, and more.
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