🗓️ Sunday, June 22, 2025
🕓 7 p.m.
💰 $56–$160
📍 McCaw Hall at Seattle Center: 321 Mercer St., Seattle
Music born from the struggles and triumphs of enslaved Black people traces its evolution from Negro spirituals to blues, jazz, gospel, R&B, hip-hop and spoken word. The resilience, creativity and legacy of Black music ranges from the rhythmic art of tap shoes on a hard surface to the soaring sounds of the human voice. Music remains a force of resistance, its emotional resonance a beacon of hope. Juneteenth offers an invitation to open up and let the music play.
The Songs of Black Folk symphony and chorus are once again bringing together world-class artists and storytellers to celebrate Juneteenth. 🎻 On June 22, you’re invited to step into a night of artistry and inspiration as both national and local African American performers take the stage to celebrate Black music.
The evening is a showcase of the powerful journey of Black music. This celebration honors the voices that persevered, the sounds that uplifted communities and the artistry that continues to inspire generations.
Just like the Songs of Black Folk events of years past, the celebration will feature several stellar talents including:
- Savion Glover: An expressive tap-dance legend whose rhythm speaks louder than words.
- J’Nai Bridges: A two-time Grammy-winning mezzo-soprano with a voice that stirs the soul.
- Zebulon Ellis: A gospel powerhouse and Sunday’s best all-star.
- Soloman Howard: An operatic bass with commanding presence and vocal depth.
This fine arts production will be guided by artistic director and conductor Ramon Bryant Braxton and hosted by actor and author Hill Harper and TV journalist and storyteller Angela Russell.
Songs of Black Folk — celebrating the music of resistance and hope with spirituals, dance and soaring symphonic and operatic splendor.
