By Cody D. Short | cshort@al.com
In 1979, President Jimmy Carter declared June to be Black Music Month. The purpose is to celebrate the undeniable impact that Black musicians have had on the sound of American music.
Birmingham has a host of artists from the metro area who have contributed to Black American music like Ruben Studdard, Gucci Mane, Nell Carter, Sebastian Kole, Eddie Kendricks, Dennis Edwards, and Paul Williams of The Temptations. Although none of these artists are slated to perform in Birmingham this month, here are ways to celebrate Black Music Month.
TINK (June 15)
will perform at the BJCC Concert Hall on June 15 along with Jacquees and Sonta. Tickets start at $55.
STEEL CITY JAZZ FESTIVAL (June 16-17)
Steel City Jazz Festival will feature Anthony Hamilton, Stephanie Mills, Stokley, Zapp, and more June 16-17. Individual day passes are $100 each plus fees and two day passes are $200 plus fees. VIP Tickets are sold out.
BLUES & BREWS (June 18)
As a Father’s Day event on June 18, Blues and Brews will host a food festival featuring two DJs: DJ Dirty Vegas and DJ Ready Red. The event will take place at Avondale Brewery with the general admission price of $10. First 100 dads that show up will get a free brew.
FRIENDS CONCERT (June 16)
A free Gospel Music Concert will take place at Integrity Bible Church on June 16. This group of performers are good friends with one another who enjoy singing The Gospel.
- CAMPBELL – THE BAD BOY OF SOUL (June 18)
The Bad Boy of Soul, Mr. Campbell will perform at Bodega. Tickets start at $25.
BIG YAVO (June 23)
Birmingham native, rapper Big Yavo has new music that will debut under Cinematic Music Group on June 23.
LIT ON 8TH (June 25)
Lit on 8th is hosting a celebration for people with the zodiac sign, Cancer, with live music and poetry event on June 25. Admission to the venue is free.
THE PERFECT NOTE (All month)
The Perfect Note will host live music events all month with various tributes to artists and performances from local singers and band players. Artists performing will be: PJ Praggins, Tony Tatum, Sherry Reeves, Sharron Collins, DeLon Charley, and Ryan Keyz. Tickets vary but start at $25.
ENCORE THEATER & GALLERY (Weekly)
Encore Theater & Gallery is celebrating Black Music Month with weekly performances highlighting R&B Week, NeoSoul Week, Soul & Rock Week, Gospel Week featuring artists: Deidre Gaddis, Elle Jai, Erika Patrice Kellom, Logan TheEntertainer, Abundant Life Music Ministry, and Men of Praise. Tickets are $19 per week.
More concerts featuring Black artists are coming to the city soon including Erykah Badu, Janelle Monae, Fantasia, Joe, Ginuwine and Tyrese.
