The tunes are set to rise and shine at the Bloomington Center for The Arts this June, as the city braces to swing to the rhythm of "Black To Life: A Black Music Month Celebration." Teaming up for this reverberating event are The Avant-Garde and the Arts Center, aiming to serve a rich palette of musical genres that have shaped and been shaped by Black artists across Minnesota.
In a nutshell, this melodious affair, spanned across two evenings, will to truly showcase a spectrum from soulful Gospel and R&B to head-bobbing Jazz and Hip-Hop. Slated for June 13 and 14, the lineup boasts no less than Grammy winners and local luminaries. The first night is dedicated to the smooth and reverent sounds of R&B/Soul and Gospel Music, and according to a press release from Bloomington, will feature Jamecia Bennett and Courtland Pickens with KNOWN MPLS!
The second act on June 14 is no less enticing, with the brilliant Ben Williams slated to serenade with his Jazz ensembles, followed by the rhythmic rhymes of Hip-Hop artist Lewiee Blaze. The doors will swing open at 7 p.m. each night, ushering in patrons to tap their feet and nod their heads to the grooves and beats.
It isn't just about the performing arts, though. "Black To Life" is also about doling out some well-deserved kudos. The event will honor a trio of Twin Cities' own icons with Lifetime achievement awards: Pete Rhodes, Kimberly Rhodes of Black Music America, and Kathleen Johnson from Musicians 4 Musicians. And capturing the ode to the rich legacy and vibrant present of Black music, "Black To Life" founder Chadwick “Niles” Phillips said, “Black To Life is our opportunity to pay homage to the legends of the past, to celebrate the icons of the present, and to uplift the voices of the future in Black music,” as reported by Bloomington's official news.
For those ready to be immersed in a blend of nostalgia and contemporary beats, tickets are now up for grabs. To secure a spot at the Schneider Theater in Bloomington for either or both nights, beat a path to their website, blm.mn/blacktolife, and be prepared for a sonic experience that promises to resonate far beyond the month of June.
