Black & Bronze: A Bronzeville Music Fest

Black & Bronze is more than a festival; it is an ode to the rich legacy and grounding contributions to African American history on Chicago’s South Side. It is a symphonic reminder of our resilience, and a celebration of the sounds, stories, and spirit that continue to shape the world. From the waves of the Great Migration to the Civil Rights Movement, Bronzeville has long been a cradle of Black excellence—a "Black Metropolis" where artists, thinkers, and revolutionaries shaped the cultural and political landscape of America. Through live music, spoken word, and community gathering, Black & Bronze pays tribute to the legendary voices that defined generations—while uplifting today’s artists carrying the torch forward. Black and Bronze encapsulates the sound of Bronzeville—one of innovation that stirs and reinvigorates the spirit. It is an experience for our people, by our people, with our people. This is more than an event; it is a homecoming, a love letter to the South Side, and a reclamation of the arts as both muse and movement.

🎺 Alysha Monique (Jazz)

🎼 Apollo (Gospel)

🎶 CityPoint Worship Collective & Community Choir (Gospel)

🖊️ Faith OverAllat (Poetry)

✨ Jessica Lá Rel (Soul)

🎤 Manasseh (Soul)

🎷 Micah Collier (Jazz)

🎺 Monica Anissa (Gospel)

🎹 Ryan Alexander (Hip-Hop)

🎤 Shaundric Mann (Hip-Hop)

🎸 STWU Gamma (Hip-Hop)

🖊️ Tommie Collins (Poetry)

This free outdoor festival bridges past and present, uniting jazz, soul, gospel, poetry, and hip-hop. Through inspired covers, original compositions, and poetic storytelling, Black & Bronze connects the legacy of pioneers like Mahalia Jackson, Sam Cooke, Louis Armstrong, Nat King Cole, Quincy Jones, Herbie Hancock, Chaka Khan, and more with the new generation of artists shaping the future. The festival will feature a footworking dance battle, couples stepper set, an Alvin Ailey dance tribute, hip hop dance performances, majorette and drumline performances, and a Divine 9 Strolling session through the park.

Want in on the fun? Get tickets or get involved at blackandbronzefest.com

This is more than a festival—it is a movement, a tribute, and a revival. Secure your spot and immerse yourself in the sounds and stories of Bronzeville, past and present. See you on September 6th!

Black & Bronze: A Bronzeville Music Fest is taking place at the beautiful Armstrong Park, located at 4433 S St Lawrence Ave, Chicago, IL 60653—right in the heart of the neighborhood we’re celebrating!

Here’s how to join the party:

🚇 By Train:
Hop on the Green Line and get off at 43rd Street Station—from there, it’s just a 14-minute walk (about half a mile) to the park. A perfect little warm-up before the music starts. 😎🎶

🚌 By Bus:
Take the #43 bus from the Green Line station or anywhere along 43rd—it’ll drop you close to the action.

🚗 Driving?
There is street parking available in the area, but it’s limited—so come early, carpool with friends, or better yet, hop on CTA and enjoy the ride.

🚲 Bike or Walk:
This is a neighborhood fest! If you’re nearby, we encourage walking, biking, or scootering your way in—it’s a beautiful way to soak in the Bronzeville energy before you even hit the park.

BLK Notes – A collective of Black musicians and industry professionals dedicated to preserving and amplifying Chicago’s rich musical legacy. CityPoint Community Church – A socially conscious church in Bronzeville committed to justice, love, and community empowerment. Jessica Lá Rel – A Chicago-born recording artist and storyteller known for her “cinematic soul” sound, with performances for Oprah Winfrey, John Lewis, and Jesse Jackson, over 1M YouTube views, and collaborations with artists like Kanye West, Kirk Franklin, and Maverick City Music.

This is a celebration of Black artistry, a homecoming for Chicagoans, and a testament to the power of music, history, and community.

Host or Publisher Jessica Lá Rel