BlackAmericana Fest Returns for its Third Year
The BlackAmericana Fest will be returning for its third year September 25 and 26 at the Broadside.
Theme & Headliners
This year's theme will be Still We Sing: Black Protest
Traditions in Americana.
The theme encompasses a variety of the protest genre, such as
spirituals, freedom songs, and labor anthems, and works to preserve historical traditions
while introducing modern voices. Acts for this year are invited to include a
protest song, whether original or traditional, in their sets.
Founder Dusky Waters remarked on theme in a press release. "We're celebrating Black musical traditions that have always been at the heart of American culture, while creating space for today's artists to share their stories on their own terms. In moments of struggle, we return to the songs that carried us. Still We Sing is not just a theme. It is a promise."
This year's acts include headliners Trey Wellington, the Kentucky
Gentlemen, Seratones, and Joy Clark. The
remainder of the lineup is soon to be announced.
Origins
BlackAmericana Fest began as a vision. One of the fest's founders Jenn Jeffers, of Dusky Waters and already a multi-instrumentalist, picked
up the banjo after hearing Rhiannon Giddens, of the North Carolina String Band,
discuss the Black history surrounding the instrument. Waters' love of country
music, a genre in which she felt misplaced, became a well-spring of Black tradition,
community, and belonging.
Teaming up with Teena May and Mark T. Williams II, they decided
to start the BlackAmericana Fest to bring together members of the community
working in this tradition. Now, they are preparing for their third year.
The first year of the festival, Teena
May told Gambit in 2024 that the future of the festival would follow an "enthusiastic
yes." Thanks to the grants and support from local foundations and community
members, that "yes" has led the festival into 2026.
What to Expect
When visiting this year's fest, check out their workshop on the evolution of spirituals,
field songs, freedom songs, and labor anthems to learn about the history going
into the theme. A protest-songwriting round will feature works by emerging
writers. An art market will have local artists and include a folk art gallery. Kids
will be invited to play in the Kid's Zone. And, of course, it wouldn't be a
festival without food. Local vendors will be offering food and drinks throughout.
Tickets
Tickets, which can be found here, go on sale in June. The festival offers
General Admission and Weekend VIP Passes. Children under 11 are admitted free of
charge with registration.
