The BlackAmericana Fest has unveiled its inaugural festival lineup, set to take place on September 28, 2024, at The Broadside in New Orleans. This festival will shine a spotlight on the often-overlooked contributions of Black artists within the Folk, Country and Americana traditions, particularly those rooted in the rich musical heritage of New Orleans and the Mississippi River Delta region.

As the first festival of its kind in New Orleans, BlackAmericana Fest aims to celebrate and elevate the narrative, music and history of BlackAmericana. With a focus on community engagement and education, this free, all-ages event is poised to become an essential fixture in the city’s cultural landscape.

Festival Highlights:

• Live Performances: The mainstage will host a stellar lineup of acclaimed artists, including Leyla McCalla, Joy Clark, Lilli Lewis, Nikki Hill, Sunpie and the Louisiana Sunspots, Mia Borders, Kelly Love Jones, Dusky Waters, Teena May, and more. Additionally, the festival’s Narrative Sights and Sounds stage will provide a platform for emerging songwriters to share their talents.
• Roots of Rhythm: The Legacy of Black Americana Musicians in New Orleans and South Louisiana: This panel discussion will delve into the rich cultural contributions of Black artists to folk, blues, country and jazz. The discussion will also explore the banjo’s journey from its African origins to its central role in American folk music.
• Community Engagement: Festival-goers can look forward to a day of connection, learning, and celebration in a dedicated community space, where they can engage with fellow attendees and artists.
• Food and Art Vendors: The festival will feature a curated selection of food and handicrafts from Black-owned small businesses in New Orleans, offering attendees a taste of the city’s diverse culinary and artistic traditions.

Festival Co-Founder Dusky Waters emphasized the significance of this event, stating, “BlackAmericana Fest is not just a festival; it’s a movement to recognize and celebrate the significant contributions of Black artists to the Americana genre. We are proud to bring this event to New Orleans, to provide established and emerging artists a platform to share their stories and music, and to create a dialogue in our community about inclusion and belonging in Americana, folk, and country music.”

For more information and updates, visit blackamericanafest.com.