Black Arts Fest MKE at Summerfest Grounds on Saturday, August 5, 2023
Family-fun festival celebrates African Heritage and Black Cultural Arts
Black Arts Fest MKE (BAFMKE) announced its annual festival to be held on the Summerfest grounds on Saturday, August 5, 2023 from noon – 10 p.m. This family-fun festival celebrates the deep roots of African heritage and the creativity of black cultural arts.
The theme, “Doing It For The Culture”, was designed to reflect the magnificence of black culture from the diverse music genres to the African diaspora, art, dance, spoken word, food, fashion, fun, and more. Attendees can expect to be both educated and entertained by the festival’s family-fun programming.
“The entire Milwaukee community is invited to share in the Black Arts Fest MKE experience as we gather to enjoy the rich array of diverse talent and cultural traditions,” said Derek Tyus, Black Arts Fest MKE board chair.
Returning festival highlights include the popular Divine 9 Party Roll Call celebrating all nine historically black sororities and fraternities; a free sip & paint sessions hosted by Vibez Creative Arts Space, and a dynamic heritage poetry set in the Afro Vibes Village. New highlights include the introduction of the Business Class Sky Lounge, hosted by the African American Leadership Alliance Milwaukee (AALAM). This area is located on the Miller VIP Deck, overlooking the main stage and festivities. Also new this year, is the Steppers Set hosted by Milwaukee Steppers and Ballroomers United (MSBU) which celebrates the diverse styles of Black ballroom and line dancing.
These highlights pair nicely with the musical lineups on three stages, the Miller Lite Oasis, the Cultural Stage, and Family Village Kid’s Stage located in the Northwestern Mutual Community Park area. The stages will feature performances from Milwaukee talent, including Signature Dance Company, R&B Live Milwaukee, The Shonn Hinton Experience (R&B), a Tina Turner Tribute performed by Esh the Singer, Klassik (electro symphonic/ hip-hop/soul), Natty Nation (reggae), Anthony McGahee & Praise Motivated (gospel), R.L. Smith & Inspiration (gospel), Tasha Nicole (inspirational), Emmitt James (hip-hop/jazz), The Cameron Webb Revue (soul/blues), and a 20th Anniversary performance by Growing Nation (hip-hop/soul).
Tickets can be purchased in advanced online www.blackartsfestmke.com and during the festival at the gates. General admission tickets for adults are $20, seniors are $15, and youth are $12. Children age 7 and under, and veterans with military credentials are free.
Black Arts Fest MKE Entertainment Lineup
Miller Stage Lineup
• 12:00 p.m. – Christopher’s Project (Jazz) • 12:30 p.m. – Opening Ceremony • 1:00 p.m. – R.L. Smith & Inspiration (Gospel) • 1:30 p.m. – Anthony McGahee & Praise Motivated (Gospel) • 2:00 p.m. – Natty Nation (Reggae) • 3:00 p.m. – DJ Gid- Money feat. Afro Vibes Collective (Afro Beats) • 3:30 p.m. – Tina Turner Tribute by Esh The Singer (Rock) • 4:30 p.m. – R&B Live Milwaukee (R&B) • 5:30 p.m. – Divine 9 Party / DJ NuStylez, DJ Martin • 6:30 p.m. – Tha Dope Music Crew (Neo Soul/ Hip-Hop) • 7:30 p.m. – Klassik (Electro Symphonic Hip-Hop) • 8:30 p.m. – Growing Nation (Hip-Hop/Soul)
Cultural Stage Lineup
• 12:00 p.m. – Afro Vibes Village Until 8:00 p.m. • 12:30 p.m. – Opening Ceremony at Miller Stage • 1:30 p.m. – Emmitt James (Hip-Hop Jazz) • 2:00 p.m. – Tosha Freeman (Neo Soul/Inspirational) • 2:30 p.m. – Andre Lamar, The Black Country Singer ft. Dwill (Country) • 3:00 p.m. – Stepper’s Set Hosted By MSBU until 10:00 p.m. • 3:00 p.m. – Tasha Nicole (Inspirational) • 4:00 p.m. – The Shonn Hinton Experience (R&B) • 5:00 p.m. – Marvelous Mack & The Magnificents (Blues) • 6:00 p.m. – The Cameron Webb Revue (Soul/ Blues) • 7:00 p.m. – Love, Peace, and Soul (Soul/Old School R&B) • 8:00 p.m. -Music By DJ Kel-C
Family Village & Kids Area Hosted By Mighty Small Moments and Artworks
