Black Music Month exhibition opens June 22

The Community Music Center of Houston, Texas Southern University Music Department and The Collective will honor and recognize artists who have contributed to the Black Music aesthetic with a concert and art exhibit. The CMCH Black Music Month Legacy Concert will be held on Saturday, June 25, from 3 to 6 p.m. at Rhinehart Auditorium, Texas Southern University, 3100 Cleburne in the heart of Third Ward. An exhibition featuring art works of black musicians by Leonard Freeman and Israel McCloud and a photo exhibition will open Wednesday, June 22, with a reception from 6 to 8 p.m. at The Collective and will run through June 30.  The exhibition also honors some of the “gone but not forgotten” musicians who have shared their talents with both the Community Music Center and the City of Houston over the past 37 years-- Kinny Abair, Lavada (Dr. Hepcat) Durst, Conrad Johnson, Mary Kaya and Derrick Lewis.

The Legacy Concert on June 25 is in celebration of 37 years of service by musicians to the CMCH, whose mission is the preservation, appreciation and performance of music that reflects the traditions of African Americans throughout the diaspora.

Hosted by Houston vocalist Tweed Smith, the event will feature performances by living legends Howard Harris and Thomas Smith, the Conrad Johnson Orchestra with vocalists Carol Blanchard and Julie Johnson, the Will Grant Still Ensemble (conducted by CMCH artistic director Anne Lundy), Howard Harris Jazz Ensemble, jazz violinist Jairus Daigle (making his Houston debut), Nic Allen and Philippe Edison.

All events are free to the public and open to the public. (Donations are welcome but not required.)

Learn more about the events and register for the concert here.