FNBEATSGALORE, O.G. Productions Inc. and McMenamins present

Portland Black Music Fest
Mission Theater | Sunday, September 11, 2016
3 p.m. doors, 4 p.m. show 
$25 advance, $30 day of show 
21 and over

featuring
Andre St. James
Mic Capes
Kimberly Monique
Cool Nutz
Saeeda Wright
Rasheed Jamal
Madgesdiq
Rochell D. Hart
Tyrone Hendrix
Patrick Seraya

The Portland Black Music Festival celebrates the immense variety of local Black contributions to music in genres including, but not limited to, jazz, soul, and R & B. Encouraging appreciation for Black culture and heritage, the festivities will highlight high quality, live musical performances from homegrown talent and will emphasize community empowerment.

Over the course of a year, trumpeter/educator Farnell Newton and musician/producer Tony Ozier began to grow the festival idea in conversations, during rehearsals, on road trips, and at family gatherings. These conversations grew, and the festival was publicly announced on an April 2016 segment of OPB's "State of Wonder" hosted by April Baer. Baer's interview with Ozier and Newton led them to announce the festival and speak it into reality. Once plans were made public, Newton reached out to DJ and community activist DJ O.G.One to partner and develop the festival.

This trio of artists and active community members has used their music connections and community resources to secure support from media partners (including KMHD, Oregon Music News, KBOO, 107.5, Portland Radio Project, and XRAY.FM) and to establish the festival in its first year. They are also planning for the festival's growth and possible impact in years to come. Over time, Newton, Ozier, and DJ O.G. One hope to cultivate a stronger music community and to give participating Portland musicians increased exposure. Ultimately, the goal is to empower Black artists and to bring people together to celebrate and work together on musical and social issues.