#NNPA BlackPress
Black Music Month Kicks Off with Highly Anticipated Local Events
THE AFRO — … concert series and festivals like Jazzy Summer Nights are not just concerts, but celebrations of our culture and music that has given the world blues, jazz, rock and roll, funk, soul, hip hop, disco, house, gospel and many others,” said trombone superstar Jeffrey Bradshaw. “Black Music Month is an honor to celebrate, but it’s a microcosm compared to how Black music has shaped the world.”
The post Black Music Month Kicks Off with Highly Anticipated Local Events first appeared on BlackPressUSA.
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By Ericka Alsto Buck| Special to the AFRO
June marks the celebration of Black Music Month, a time dedicated to recognizing and honoring the contributions of Black musicians and the profound impact of Black music on culture and society. Established in 1979 by President Jimmy Carter, Black Music Month highlights the rich legacy and ongoing influence of Black music genres, including jazz, blues, soul, hip-hop and more.
Baltimore’s celebration of Black Music Month began with a bang with two spectacular events: “Wine on the Water: Caribbean and Neo Soul Edition” and the return of Jazzy Summer Nights.
“Wine on the Water,” organized by local promoter Stevie Love, was held at the waterfront on Waterview Avenue in south Baltimore on June 2. The event brought together music lovers from across the region to enjoy an evening of soulful performances by the water. Regional musician April Sampe was one of the headliners of the day with her powerful renditions of neo-soul classics, captivating a sea of attendees who had gathered to soak in the soulful sounds. Her performance set the tone for an afternoon of musical excellence.
The highlight of the event was undoubtedly the performance by Davon McCoy, better known as “Davon the Drummer.” Born in Baltimore and hailing from a long line of musicians, McCoy began playing drums at a very young age. His impressive career includes collaborations with artists like Lalah Hathaway; Monifah; Basement Boys; Ultra Naté; Petey Pablo and many others.
“I created music and started playing drums with DJs in 1994. Playing all over the world, you can catch me at large festivals, upscale parties and events like Jazzy Summer Night, spreading love through music. It is my gift and passion,” McCoy shared. His performance at “Wine on the Water” was nothing short of spectacular, showcasing his ability to merge genres and satisfy the musical cravings of every attendee.
The celebration of Black Music Month continued with the launch of Jazzy Summer Nights on June 6 at the Baltimore Peninsula. Celebrating its 24th year, this summer series has become the music destination for Baltimore, D.C. and regional residents. LaRian Finney, founder and managing Partner of The Finn Group, expressed his excitement.
“We are celebrating year 24 of the series, every first Thursday this summer – it’s the music destination for Baltimore and D.C.,” said Finney. “Jazzy is a great, safe environment to enjoy an evening of music, food, and culture at the Peninsula!”
Headlining the inaugural night was trombone superstar Jeffrey Bradshaw, who wowed the audience with performances of his popular songs like “Prototype” and “All Time Love.”
Bradshaw emphasized the importance of independent artists performing at venues like Jazzy Summer Nights.
“Being an independent Black soul and jazz artist for 21 years, I’ve definitely seen the peaks and valleys that come with this great gift,” said Bradshaw.
The musician explained the plight of Black artists in America and how he’s seen national tours for some of the greatest artists “stifled because of obvious racism.”
“Artists were sometimes coming to perform in the very cities where they received hatred,” he said. “But the tenacity and work that was done by our civil rights heroes, along with the power of love through music, has afforded us opportunities to be able to perform in every major city in America and abroad.”
“That’s why concert series and festivals like Jazzy Summer Nights are not just concerts, but celebrations of our culture and music that has given the world blues, jazz, rock and roll, funk, soul, hip hop, disco, house, gospel and many others,” said Bradshaw. “Black Music Month is an honor to celebrate, but it’s a microcosm compared to how Black music has shaped the world.”
Joining Bradshaw on stage was his friend, the soulful artist Eric Roberson, who enchanted the crowd with his hits “Picture Perfect” and “Lessons.”
Roberson shared his thoughts on the significance of events like Jazzy Summer Nights.
“You have supporters and new people who don’t know you as well. So people are going to learn your art and Black music at the end of the day,” said Roberson. “For me to be able to sing a song in front of thousands of people– where a good portion will know it and a good portion won’t know it– this is what it’s all about.”
The summer lineup for Jazzy Summer Nights will feature performances by:
Thursday, July 4 | Bilal
Thursday, August 1 | The Bela Dona Band
Thursday, September 5 | Goapele
Thursday, October 3 | The LFTOVRZ ft. Gary Groove
In addition to these events, other notable Black Music Month performances in the region include:
Friday, June 14, 2024 – Eric Benét live at Birchmere, Alexandria, Va.
Friday, June 14, 2024 – Maze featuring Frankie Beverly live at Capital One Arena, Washington, D.C.
Thursday, June 20, 2024 – The Soul Rebels with special guests Ghostface Killah and GZA, The Howard Theatre
Sunday, June 23, 2024 – Jhené Aiko live at Capital One Arena, Washington, D.C.
Tuesday, June 25, 2024 – T-Pain live at Pier Six Pavilion, Baltimore.
Friday, June 28, 2024 – The O’Jays live at The Theater at MGM National Harbor, National Harbor, Md.
Sunday, June 30, 2024 – Chris Brown live at CFG Bank Arena, Baltimore.
With an incredible lineup and a strong sense of community, the D.C., Maryland and Virginia (DMV) area’s celebration of Black Music Month is set to be an unforgettable experience, honoring the past, present and future of Black music and its profound impact on the world.
The post Black Music Month Kicks Off with Highly Anticipated Local Events first appeared on BlackPressUSA.
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#LET IT BE KNOWN — LIVE FROM THE DEMOCRATIC NATIONAL CONVENTION
#LET IT BE KNOWN — LIVE FROM THE DEMOCRATIC NATIONAL CONVENTION
#NNPA BlackPress
Democrats Call for Fierce Defense of Democracy and Working-Class Values
NNPA NEWSWIRE — Democrats from all political backgrounds came together to honor President Biden’s legacy, which includes unwavering efforts to reduce costs for middle-class Americans, repair a deteriorating infrastructure, and defend democracy from unprecedented threats.
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By Stacy M. Brown
NNPA Newswire Senior National Correspondent
@StacyBrownMedia
In an electrifying moment at the Democratic National Convention (DNC) that likely set the tone for the party’s campaign, Vice President Kamala Harris made a surprise appearance on the opening night, seizing the stage to the triumphant anthem of Beyoncé’s “Freedom.” The crowd erupted with fire in her voice as Harris declared, “I want to kick us off by celebrating our incredible president, Joe Biden. Thank you for your historic leadership, for your lifetime of service to our nation, and for all you will continue to do. We are forever grateful to you.” The first night of the DNC was more than a celebration; it was a battle cry. Democrats from all political backgrounds came together to honor President Biden’s legacy, which includes unwavering efforts to reduce costs for middle-class Americans, repair a deteriorating infrastructure, and defend democracy from unprecedented threats. The message was clear: Biden’s work is not done, and Vice President Kamala Harris and Governor Tim Walz are ready to continue that fight.
Speakers who are most familiar with Biden, such as Senators Raphael Warnock and Chris Coons, as well as Dr. Jill Biden and Ashley Biden, shared stories that painted a picture of a president who is unwaveringly dedicated to the American people. “In public and in private, President Biden never backed down from his vision for an America where everyone has a fair shot,” Warnock emphasized. Dr. Biden and Ashley Biden gave heartfelt tributes to the man who led the nation and his family with steadfast devotion. The emotional high point of the evening came when Biden, introduced by his daughter Ashley, took the stage to a thunderous ovation as “Your Love Has Lifted Me Higher” filled the arena. The crowd’s response was deafening, with chants of “We love Joe” and “Thank You, Joe” reverberating throughout the hall, a powerful testament to Biden’s connection with the American people.
In a speech that was as much a rallying cry as it was a reflection on his presidency, Biden delivered a stark reminder of what’s at stake. “Let me ask you… Are you ready to vote for freedom? Are you ready to vote for democracy and America? Are you ready to elect Kamala Harris and Tim Walz?” Biden’s words resonated as he recalled the perilous moment of his inauguration, just weeks after supporters of the twice-impeached former president stormed the U.S. Capitol. “You cannot say I love my country only when you win,” Biden asserted. “The winter of peril and possibility has passed, and with a grateful heart, I stand before you to report that democracy has prevailed. But now, democracy must be preserved.” Biden highlighted the progress made under his administration, pointing to economic recovery, healthcare expansion, and the battle against corporate greed. He singled out Harris’s critical role in these achievements. “We’ve gone from economic crisis to the strongest economy in the world… More Americans have health insurance than at any time in American history. And we finally beat big pharma. Guess who cast the tie-breaking vote? Vice President and soon-to-be President Kamala Harris. Now it’s the law of the land—$35 a month for insulin.”
The evening was charged with passionate speeches that struck the heart of the nation’s issues. Former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton delivered a searing indictment of Donald Trump, contrasting Harris’s steadfast dedication to American values with Trump’s chaotic legacy. “Kamala won’t disrespect our military and our veterans,” Clinton declared to thunderous applause. “She will defend democracy and our Constitution and will protect America from enemies foreign and domestic. Donald Trump fell asleep at his own trial, and when he woke up, he made history as the first person to run for president with 34 felony convictions.” Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez delivered a fiery endorsement of Harris, framing her as the champion of the middle-class needs. “In Kamala Harris, we have a chance to elect a president who is for the middle class because she is from the middle class,” Ocasio-Cortez proclaimed. “She understands the urgency of rent checks, groceries, and prescriptions. She is as committed to our reproductive and civil rights as she is to taking on corporate greed. She is working tirelessly to secure a ceasefire in Gaza and bring hostages home.”
Ocasio-Cortez didn’t hold back in her critique of Trump, accusing him of being a self-serving demagogue. “Donald Trump would sell this country for a dollar if it meant lining his own pockets and greasing the palms of his Wall Street friends,” she said. “I, for one, am tired of hearing about how a two-bit union buster thinks of himself as more of a patriot than the woman who fights every single day to lift working people out from under the boots of greed trampling on our way of life.” The night was filled with moments that galvanized the crowd. Golden State Warriors Head Coach Steve Kerr, invoking the words of Steph Curry, declared, “After the results are tallied that night, we can tell Donald Trump, ‘Night, night.’“UAW President Shawn Fain tore off his jacket to reveal a shirt emblazoned with the words “TRUMP IS A SCAB,” igniting the crowd into a fervent chant of “Trump’s a scab! Trump’s a scab!”
In one of the night’s most pointed moments, Rep. Jasmine Crockett drew a stark contrast between Harris and Trump: “She became a career prosecutor while he became a career criminal. Who would you hire? Donald Trump or Kamala Harris? Kamala Harris has a resume, and Donald Trump has a rap sheet with 34 felonies, 2 impeachments, and 1 porn star to prove it.” The NAACP President Derrick Johnson and Melanie Campbell, the President and CEO of the National Coalition on Black Civic Participation, led a standing ovation for civil rights icon Rev. Jesse Jackson during the celebration.
Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson also delivered a powerful message that resonated deeply with the audience. “I know that my daughter will see not only a reflection of herself in the White House, but she will experience the deepest part of American values… Kamala Harris—she’s got us.” Harris’s words from earlier in the night echoed as the event ended: “We are at a pivotal moment. The choices we make now will determine the future of our nation. Together, we will fight for the soul of America and build a future where everyone has a fair shot. Our best days are still ahead, and we are ready to lead.”
#NNPA BlackPress
L#LET IT BE KNOWN — LIVE FROM THE DEMOCRATIC NATIONAL CONVENTION — DAY 2
L#LET IT BE KNOWN — LIVE FROM THE DEMOCRATIC NATIONAL CONVENTION — DAY 2
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