Grammy-nominated duo The Baylor Project — drummer Marcus Baylor and vocalist Jean Baylor — will join saxophonist Kirk Whalum for Kafé Kirk on June 28 at Crosstown Theater. The performance highlights the influence of Black music traditions across jazz, gospel, soul and contemporary genres. (Courtesy photo)

This weekend marks the end of a very festive month, as we have celebrated Black Music Month and Juneteenth — not to mention the Obama Presidential Center opened in Chicago. (We know former President Barack Obama loves his Black music!) 

If you haven’t had a chance to support Black artists this month, we have curated 10 dynamic opportunities to celebrate the music that laid the foundation for so many genres, musical experiences and grooves that power the beat around the globe. And Memphis music has played, and continues to play, a big part in global music. 

Whether you park it at one event or a few, inside or outside, this list won’t steer you wrong! From music to film and literary works, to dance and food, these cultural experiences pay homage to Black culture, Black music and Memphis’ indelible imprint on American culture.

BB King’s “Lucille Talks Back” 50th Anniversary Album Party 

“Lucille Talks Back” was originally released by B.B. King in 1975. The album is set to be re-released, under the creative direction of executive producer Meshell Ndegeocello, on June 26. The album features a collective of incredible musicians, including Memphis native, Eric Gales. One can also hear Ann Nesby, Ledisi, Cam Anthony, Ink, Cory Henry, Avery Sunshine and Doyle Bramhall, II on this tribute album to the King of the Blues. 

The night will feature festive party vibes, networking and of course, live music. Attendees will also be the first to hear a preview of the new album.

Sunsets at Beale Street Landing 

This outdoor music series has been happening all month long. Singer, songwriter (and background vocalist for John Legend) Keri Lee kicked off the series, followed by Kennard Farmer and Amber Rae Dunn, and Miz Stefani. The inaugural season will wrap up this Thursday evening with Julia Magness, who sang with the Tennessee Mass Choir for years, and is also known for her bluesy and soulful sound. In addition to the music, guests can enjoy local food, signature cocktails, and an unmatched Mississippi River sunset. Attendees are also welcome to bring coolers and chairs, as seating is limited.

Sunset Skate 

If you want to get a little more physical, Sunset Skate is the perfect event for the whole family. With curated, high-energy DJ sets by the Voice of MSCS DJs and free 30-minute skate rentals from Cordova Skating Center, this is the best night of family fun. If you want to take things one step further, Step & Skate Movement will be on hand offering skate dance lessons. The theme for this week’s event is Jersey Jam with the Memphis Grizzlies and Memphis Tigers. Fun Fact: This event series has won a TSD Best in Black award the last two years.  

Candlelight: Tribute to Whitney Houston

These candlelight concerts are truly a sight and sound to behold. If you’ve never attended one before, do yourself a favor and check it out. For an hour, the Listeso String Quartet will share their interpretations of pop queen Whitney Houston. Imagine hearing “How Will I Know,” “The Greatest Love of All,” and “I Will Always Love You” on strings? This event is close to selling out. If you miss it this time around, there will be another offering Friday, July 31. 

Sankofa African Diaspora Festival 

  • Saturday, June 27
  • 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.
  • Cossitt Library (33 S. Front, 38103)
  • FREE
  • For more information, contact Antonio Quinn at antonio.edwards@memphistn.gov or 901-415-2766.

The third annual Sankofa African Diaspora Festival this Saturday will honor and recognize Black Music Month. The festival is known for celebrating the rich culture and contributions of African-descended people. The day will feature art, local vendors, author readings, music, dance performances, local vendors and food trucks. Last year’s event saw more than 500 attendees and 30 vendors sold their wares. 

Summer of 70s Blockbusters – Cooley High 

It was 1964 and the sounds of Motown were everywhere, especially in Chicago, the setting of the fictitious Cooley High School. The Orpheum has hosted this Summer of 70s Blockbusters series all month long and will culminate with “Cooley High.” Earlier this month “Close Encounters of the Third Kind” and “Jaws” jogged the memories of attendees. If you haven’t seen “Cooley High” before, the film is about two teenagers coming of age and trying to navigate life in a rough Chicago neighborhood. There will be pre-screening activities prior to show time. Call the Orpheum Box Office with questions: 901-525-3000.

Stax Music Academy Summer Music Experience Finale

  • Saturday, June 27
  • 7:30 p.m. 
  • Overton Park Shell (1928 Poplar Ave., 38104)
  • FREE
  • Know before you go. 

Another season is winding down for the students who have been learning the ways of soul at the Stax Music Academy Summer Music Experience. Students and instructors alike will display their soulful creativity, collaboration and hard work before a crowd of hundreds (maybe thousands?) as part of the Orion Free Concert Series. This event is free, family-friendly and is always a good time for all. Feel free to bring lawn chairs, picnic blankets and baskets. Food trucks will be onsite. Arrive early for good parking and preferred seating options. 

Latin Soul: La Bamba 

Local Chef, Marco Navarro, is presenting a West Coast-inspired cultural experience, complete with music, art, fashion and storytelling. This event invites guests to experience a rich celebration of culture, connection and movement. Classic cars and low riders will provide the aesthetic backdrop while attendees enjoy live music, DJs, curated food and beverage offerings in an environment grounded in Latin, Soul, Funk, R&B and West Coast classics. Navarro, also known as “Cooking with Papi,” will prepare the food, and Cxffeeblack will provide coffee and cocktails. Think: Block Party, but elevated. 

Kafé Kirk featuring Kirk Whalum and The Baylor Project

  • Sunday, June 28
  • 6-8 p.m. Doors open at 5:00 p.m. (General seating)
  • Crosstown Theatre (1350 Concourse Ave., Suite 250)
  • Tickets are available here. 

Back for another installment, saxophonist Kirk Whalum presents his quarterly jam session, Kafé Kirk, at Crosstown Theater. This performance will feature a Grammy-nominated husband-and-wife duo, The Baylor Project, composed of vocalist Jean Baylor and drummer Marcus Baylor. Together, all the artists’ music explores faith, family, culture and the traditions that shaped and fuel today’s Black (and American) music scene. This cross-genre musical experience is one that will transcend race, age or political preference and highlights the influence Memphis has on American music. 

Memphis songwriter David Porter, left, discusses his newly released memoir, The Soul Man: Life of a Songwriter David Porter, with singer-songwriter Brandon Lewis during a book event at Novel Books & Gifts on June 20. The book chronicles Porter’s six-decade career and contributions to the Stax Records legacy. (Courtesy photo)

Stax Museum’s “Live in Studio A” Summer Series

  • Tuesday, June 30
  • 2-4 p.m. 
  • Stax Museum of American Soul Music (926 East McLemore Ave, 38106)
  • FREE (with ID, proof of Shelby County residence) 
  • Tickets are available here. 

The Stax Museum of American Soul Music will host its final “Live in Studio A” session featuring the Stax Music Academy Alumni band, 926. This is an opportunity to hear some of Memphis’ most talented artists who are just beginning their professional careers in music performance, production and everything in between. Alumni who have performed at New York’s Lincoln Center, Washington D.C.’s Kennedy Center and all over the world bring it all back home to Memphis for the last installment of this incredible series. This event is free and open to the public, but you must present your Shelby County ID for free admittance. 

Who knows? Maybe you’ll see “Stax alumni” David Porter, who released his book “The Soul Man: Life of a Songwriter David Porter” in Memphis just days ago. For more than 60 years, Porter was a songwriting machine, leading the pack as the label’s first staff songwriter. He would go on to write and co-write more than 1,700 songs, including hits like “Soul Man,” “Hold On, I’m Coming,” and “When Something is Wrong With My Baby,” which he wrote with the late Isaac Hayes. The book provides a behind the scenes look at one of the nation’s most influential music dynasties and explores Porter’s role in shaping the next generation of musicians. 

Learn more here.