Watch for a great series of events this month to celebrate Black history; a series called Afro-Renaissance is being held in six different cities. This will showcase artists, comedians, poets and musicians in Chicago, Los Angeles, Houston, Atlanta, New York and Washington, D.C. The series is sponsored by Live Nation Urban—part of Live Nation Entertainment which brings us Ticketmaster and Live Nation concerts—and has already gotten underway in LA.
Throughout February, the series will amplify Black voices and highlight Black creativity, while providing resources for anyone looking to learn more about the entertainment business. It will also create a recruiting platform for HBCU students from Atlanta’s Clark Atlanta University and Washington, D.C.’s Howard University and include a joyful partnership with local Black-owned businesses and organizations such as Uncle Nearest, Broccoli City Festival and Wtmove.app.
Here's what's on the schedule:
Feb 10, Washington, D.C.: The Black Tour Directory Mixer
This is a mixer at Soundcheck for Black professionals and those hiring Black crew members for live music and live event tours and events. There’ll be a live performance from Zoney Sound, a Black-owned music collective based in the Baltimore area.
Feb 17, Chicago: Black Love Mixtape
This poetry mixer at the House of Blues will carry forward the love vibes from Valentine’s Day, including self-love and love of community as well as romantic love. Poets Justus Pugh, Soulah and Matt Muse will perform, along with a DJ set from Sky Jetta.
Feb 23, Los Angeles: Cocktails and Convos - Studio to Stage
Black songwriters will share their career path, and Farrah Fawx will close the night with a performance. This takes place at Live Nation LA.
Feb 23, Atlanta: Black Joy Comedy Show
Comedy and cocktail, with sets by comedians DJ Swole, Daniel Dellanno, Plug Chapman and Frankie Benz, to be held at Live Nation Atlanta.
Feb 24, New York City: Diaspora: A Celebration of Black Dance Music
This is a happy hour mixer showcasing Black dance music with DJ No Brakes spinning Jersey Club, New Orleans Bounce, Afrobeats, and other dance genres all night. Held at Live Nation NY, this show includes a performance by Cookiee Kawaii.
Feb 24, Houston: The Houston Mixtape
Celebrate hip-hop’s 50th birthday and Houston’s impact on the genre with emerging artists, local hip-hop legends and Live Nation Entertainment staff for cocktails, jams and community, hip-held at HOB Houston.