Here are a few events in Long Beach to celebrate Music and Culture
June is Black Music Month, a time to honor and celebrate the profound impact of Black artists on the musical landscape. In Long Beach, California, this month is marked by a series of events that showcase the richness of Black culture through music, art, and community gatherings.
🎷 Women in Jazz: A Cultural Celebration
On Saturday, June 21, 2025, the Billie Jean King Main Library in Long Beach will host “Culture and Concerts: Women in Jazz for African American Music Month.” Presented by Hannibal Media Group and DreamKreator Studio, this event highlights the contributions of Black women in jazz. Attendees can expect live performances that pay tribute to the genre’s legacy and its influential female artists.
🎉 Long Beach Juneteenth Celebration
The Long Beach Juneteenth Celebration returns on Saturday, June 14, 2025, at Rainbow Lagoon Park. Founded in 2021 by Carl Kemp, this free, family-friendly event has quickly become one of the region’s signature annual summer events. It features a full day of performances, activities, art, dancing, and special activations that commemorate the end of slavery in the United States while honoring and celebrating Black history and culture.
🎶 Cali Vibes Festival
While not exclusively focused on Black music, the Cali Vibes Festival at Marina Green Park on June 7-8, 2025, features a diverse lineup that includes artists influenced by Black musical traditions. Headliners like Kid Cudi and Ludacris bring hip-hop and R&B flavors to the festival, reflecting the genre’s roots and ongoing evolution.
🎤 Additional Events Celebrating Black Music and Culture
Long Beach’s vibrant cultural scene offers more events throughout June that celebrate Black music and heritage:
- Black Prophet, Haile Maskel + Conscious One: On Thursday, June 5, 2025, DiPiazza’s will host a reggae concert featuring these artists, showcasing the global influence of Black music.
- Music, Movement & Black Joy: Scheduled for Saturday, June 7, 2025, at The Green Horse Bar and Nightclub, this event combines live music and dance, emphasizing the joy and resilience found in Black cultural expressions.
🎵 Make Music Long Beach: A Citywide Musical Celebration
Coinciding with Black Music Month, Make Music Long Beach returns on Saturday, June 21, 2025, as part of the global Make Music Day initiative. This free, all-day event transforms the city into a stage, featuring performances across various genres in public spaces. Musicians of all levels are encouraged to participate, reflecting the inclusive spirit of the celebration.
🖼️ Thelma Houston Exhibit at the African American Cultural Center
As part of the Black Music Month celebrations, the African American Cultural Center of Long Beach is hosting a special exhibit honoring Grammy Award-winning singer Thelma Houston. The exhibit showcases Houston’s illustrious career, highlighting her contributions to soul, disco, and R&B music. Attendees can explore a collection of photographs, stage costumes, and memorabilia that chronicle her journey from her early days in Mississippi to international stardom. This exhibit not only celebrates Houston’s musical achievements but also underscores the broader impact of Black female artists in shaping the music industry.(aacclb.org)
📅 Embracing Black Music Month in Long Beach
Black Music Month in Long Beach is more than a series of events; it’s a celebration of a rich cultural heritage that has shaped the city’s identity. From jazz and reggae to hip-hop and R&B, the city’s June calendar offers numerous opportunities to engage with and appreciate the contributions of Black artists. Whether attending a concert, participating in a community celebration, or exploring exhibits like the Thelma Houston retrospective, residents and visitors alike can immerse themselves in the sounds and stories that define Black music.
une is Black Music Month.