Dear Art + Soul Oakland Community:

Art + Soul returns to downtown Oakland’s Frank Ogawa Plaza on Saturday July 23, 2022 with a free 20th Anniversary celebration and live concert featuring the world-premiere of “Blues, Baroque, and Bars: From The Streets To The Symphony,” a new musical suite from legendary vocalist The Dynamic Miss Faye Carol. This powerful new work traces the story of Black people in America through the blues - the story of a people and an art form holding the history of Black America from the slave ships to the cotton fields to segregation to the present day. Featuring world-renowned drummer Dennis Chambers of Parliament/Funkadelic, Oakland's own MC RyanNicole bringing the bars, and a dynamic baroque string quartet, Blues, Baroque & Bars expounds on the blues, bringing together jazz, funk, R&B, classical and hip-hop to tell stories of triumph, sadness, romance, injustice, protest, humor, and resilience. “Blues, Baroque, and Bars: From The Streets To The Symphony” is created with funding from a Hewlett Foundation 50 Arts Commission.

Rounding out the lineup with be Oakland native and classically-trained pianist, emcee, composer and bandleader Kev Choice; multi-talented rapper/singer/songwriter and Oakland treasure Jonah Melvon; and three-time Grammy nominees, Oakland’s own Alphabet Rockers.

Mark your calendars for Saturday, July 23, noon to 6 pm.

Free admission!

Check back here on July 1 for the full lineup and performance schedule plus more details on activities, artisans, and food vendors.

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