Honoring Black Music Month center stage at the Billie Jean King Library
Long Beach, CA – In honor of African American Music Appreciation Month, the Billie Jean King Main Library in Downtown Long Beach will host Culture and Concerts, a powerful afternoon event celebrating the enduring relationship between music and literature. Curated by Arts Advocate and CEO of Hannibal Media Group, Greg Johnson, Culture and Concerts takes place on Saturday, June 21, from 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM. This immersive music experience centers “Women in Jazz”, and explores the essential history, artistry, and influence of Black women in jazz as a key touchpoint of Black Music Month.
Culture and Concerts will explore the rich cultural confluence of sound and story through a dynamic program that includes:
- A panel discussion featuring acclaimed music industry veterans, scholars, and cultural curators sharing insights of the genre.
- A live music performance, bringing the rhythms and improvisational brilliance of jazz to life in a community concert format.
- A curated reading list of books, biographies, and critical works spotlighting women jazz artists and the broader impact of African American music on literature and society.
- Visual elements and exhibits that pay homage to iconic figures and moments in jazz history.
This free public event offers an opportunity for community members of all ages to reflect, learn, and celebrate through an immersive, multi-sensory experience.
“We’re honored to bring together musicians, writers, and thinkers to explore how jazz — especially the voices of women in jazz — has shaped our cultural imagination,” said Gregory Johnson, creator and organizer of Culture and Concerts. “This event is a tribute not only to the music but to the culture, the stories and struggles behind it — and how they continue to inspire. Further this serves as a prime example of music as Public Art – quality, professional performance presented free and accessible to the community.”
Join us for an afternoon of soulful sound, spirit, and celebration at one of Long Beach’s most vibrant cultural spaces.
Event Details:
What: Culture and Concerts: Women in Jazz
When: Saturday, June 21 | 1:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Where: Billie Jean King Main Library
200 W. Broadway, Long Beach, CA 90802
Admission: Free and open to the public
For more information, please contact the Billie Jean King Main Library or visit www.beachcityradio.com. You ca aslo visit Our Eventbrite at: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/culture-and-concerts-women-in-jazz-for-african-american-music-month-tickets-1358006476929?aff=oddtdtcreator
About African American Music Appreciation Month (aka Black Music Month):
Originally established by the decree of President Jimmy Carter in 1979 as Black Music Month, this annual observance celebrates the musical contributions of African Americans across all genres and generations. The observance’s name was changed to African American Music Appreciation Month by President Barack Obama.
