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Live Nation Urban Announces Afro-Renaissance Event Series
In celebration of Black History Month, Live Nation Urban and Live Nation’s BE-Nation internal resource group have launched the multi-event series Afro-Renaissance, featuring artist showcases in live music, comedy and poetry. Events are scheduled in Los Angeles; Washington, D.C.; Chicago; Atlanta; New York and Houston, along with several conversations on Instagram Live with Black executives from various industries.
Afro-Renaissance aims to “amplify Black voices, create spaces for Black creativity, and spotlight resources and industry executives for those looking to grow and learn more about the entertainment business,” according to an announcement from Live Nation. The series will provide a recruiting platform for HBCU students from Clark Atlanta University and Howard University, as well as partnering with local Black-owned businesses and organizations including Uncle Nearest, Broccoli City, and Wtmove.app.
The series began Feb. 2 with “The Garden: A Soul Jam” at Los Angeles’ The Peppermint Club, featuring emerging Black artists in soul, R&B and hip-hop genres. A highlight reel from the event is available via Live Nation Urban’s Instagram page.
Check out the rest of the event programming below.
Meet The Execs
February 7th, 14th, 21st, 28th – Instagram Live @livenationurban
A series of conversations with Black executives across various industries such as Victoria Eady Butler, 4-time Master Blender of the Year and Nearest Green’s great-great-granddaughter, along with Stacy Muhammad, Director (The Wonder Years, The Best Man: Final Chapters, Power Book II: Raising Kanan, Queen Sugar), hosted by Brandon Pankey, VP of Business Development at Live Nation Urban.
Black Tour Directory Mixer
February 10th – Washington, D.C. @ Soundcheck
Presented by the Black Tour Directory, a listing of Black professionals and companies for those actively seeking to hire Black crew members on their tours and events, this mixer will feature Black creatives that specialize in live event production to create an authentic space for Black professionals interested in live music and an opportunity to network, apply for roles, and showcase their talent. This mixer will also feature a live performance by Zoney Sound, a Black-owned music collective based in the DMV/Baltimore area.
Black Love Mixtape
February 17th – Chicago, IL @ House of Blues Chicago – Foundation Room
Extending Black Love Day and Valentine’s Day, this poetry mixer will highlight self-love, romantic love, and love for community featuring poetry from Justus Pugh, Soulah, and Matt Muse with a special DJ set from Sky Jetta.
Cocktails and Convos – Studio to Stage
February 23rd – Los Angeles, CA @ Live Nation LA
Black songwriters discuss their journey from songwriting for some of the hottest artists to setting the stage as performers themselves with a special performance from Farrah Fawx to end the night.
Black Joy Comedy Show
February 23rd – Atlanta, GA @ Live Nation Atlanta
Time to revel in some Black Joy! Join us for a night of comedy and drinks featuring comedians DJ Swole, Daniel Dellanno, Plug Chapman and Frankie Benz.
Diaspora: A Celebration of Black Dance Music
February 24th – New York, NY @ Live Nation NY
Black dance culture has always played an integral part in the way Black people express themselves. This happy hour mixer will highlight Black dance music with DJ No Brakes spinning Jersey Club, New Orleans Bounce, Afrobeats, and other dance genres all night, featuring a special guest performance from viral sensation and Jersey Club artist Cookiee Kawaii.
The Houston Mixtape
February 24th – Houston, TX @ HOB Houston
Happy birthday, Hip-Hop! We’re celebrating hip-hop’s 50th birthday and Houston’s unique impact on Hip-Hop music and culture with Live Nation Entertainment employees, emerging Houston artists, and Houston hip-hop legends for drinks, jams, and community.