Black & Bronze: A Bronzeville Music Fest

Black & Bronze is more than a festival—it's an intentional celebration of Bronzeville’s legacy as a national epicenter of Black history, creativity, and cultural power. Held in the heart of the neighborhood, this day-long gathering pays homage to Black Chicago's unmatched contributions to American music, art, sports, and activism—while shining a light on the next generation carrying that torch forward. Join us for a vibrant day of performances, workshops, health & wellness sessions, sports, vendors, and community fun rooted in spirit and storytelling.

Bring your lawn chairs and blankets. Bring your people. Bring your love for the South Side. This is our moment. This is our music. This is Black & Bronze.

Experience unforgettable musical tributes, where today’s artists honor the pioneers who put Bronzeville and Chicago on the map—from Nat King Cole to Earth Wind & Fire, Sam Cooke to Common:

• A Tribute to Chicago Soul & R&B ft. Jessica Lá Rel, Erthe St. James, and Vee Armstrong
• A Tribute to Chicago Hip Hop ft. A.J.IV, Da' Lightbeam, Moyana, and Dai Raps
• A Tribute to Chicago Gospel ft. Monica Anissa, Tramaine Parker, Skii George, Apollo Robinson, Marquetta Jackson, Jc4U, 3DC, and David Wilson.
• A Tribute to Chicago Jazz ft. Khrys Royalle

Our spoken word poets will share the rich, layered history of Bronzeville—its triumphs, resistance, and creativity—while drawing powerful connections to the issues shaping the South Side today. Featuring: Eros The Poet • Faith Overallat & Nuff Said • Josh Paul • T'Aura The Poet

• "Prime Time With Lime" Footwork Dance Battle
• Battle of The Bands
• Dance Performance by ChiBuck Movement, 3DC, and JC4U
• African Drumming & Dancing by Victoria Djembe & Dancers
• Line Dancing Tutorials

• Basketball Tournament & Dunk Contest by The Denard Bros
• Hip Hop Dance Workshop with Diva Dance Studio Bronzeville
• Pilates Session with Melanin Matters
• Roller Skating with Party Movers
• Training Sessions with Coach Julius

• Story Time Tent with Caught By A Tale
• Bounce House & Obstacle Course with Pump & Play
• Mental Health and Art Therapy with Bright Star Community Outreach
• Beat Making with Intonation Music
• Innovation Station STEM Activities with Project Exploration

Elders are welcome to relax in our Legacy Lounge, where they can receive shaded seating.

Experience our archival walkway exhibition, documenting the history of Bronzeville and Black Chicago at large.

Black & Bronze is rooted in historical reverence and creative resurgence. It uplifts local independent artists and storytellers, connects generations, and turns a neighborhood park into a portal of pride, memory, and movement.

By registering for this event, you grant permission to Black & Bronze to use photographs and/or video of you taken in publications, news releases, online, and in other communications related to the mission of Black & Bronze: A Bronzeville Music Fest.

Info: Free frozen treats for kids all day sponsored by Citypoint Church

Info: Storytime with kids at the top of each hour about the icons and historical figures that come from Bronzeville and Chicago

Info: Join Youth docents and their families in the Archival Walkway to hear from Chairman Fred Hampton Jr about the power of telling our stories.

Info: Featuring Monica Anissa, Tramaine Parker, Skii George, Marquetta Jackson, and JC4U

Info: Featuring Jessica Lá Rel, Erthe St. James, Vee Armstrong and Khrys Royalle

Info: Featuring A.J.IV, Da' Lightbeam, Moyana, Dai Raps

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Host or Publisher Jessica Lá Rel