(Los Angeles, CA) February 8, 2023 – Live Nation Urban, in collaboration with Live Nation’s BE-Nation internal employee resource group, have launched Live Nation Entertainment’s company-wide Black History Month celebration – AFRO-RENAISSANCE – a multi-event series across six cities comprising of artist showcases through different entertainment mediums including comedy, poetry, and live music. The series kicked off on February 2nd with The Garden: A Soul Jam, a showcase and jam session amplifying emerging Black talent in Soul, R&B, and Hip-Hop, with a focus on cultivating creative communities across industries.
All month long, Afro-Renaissance will amplify Black voices, create spaces for Black creativity, and spotlight resources and industry executives for those looking to grow and learn more about the entertainment business. Events will also act as a recruiting platform for HBCU students from Clark Atlanta University and Howard University and will partner with local Black-owned businesses and organizations such as Uncle Nearest, Broccoli City, and Wtmove.app. This effort is a collaboration between teams across Live Nation.
Event Programming
The Garden: A Soul Jam
February 2nd – Los Angeles, CA @ The Peppermint Club
See performance reel from the night HERE
Meet The Execs
February 7th, 14th, 21st, 28th – Instagram Live @livenationurban
A series of conversations with Black executives across various industries such as Victoria Eady Butler, 4-time Master Blender of the Year and Nearest Green’s great-great-granddaughter, along with Stacy Muhammad, Director (The Wonder Years, The Best Man: Final Chapters, Power Book II: Raising Kanan, Queen Sugar), hosted by Brandon Pankey, VP of Business Development at Live Nation Urban.
Black Tour Directory Mixer
February 10th – Washington, D.C. @ Soundcheck
Presented by the Black Tour Directory, a listing of Black professionals and companies for those actively seeking to hire Black crew members on their tours and events, this mixer will feature Black creatives that specialize in live event production to create an authentic space for Black professionals interested in live music and an opportunity to network, apply for roles, and showcase their talent. This mixer will also feature a live performance by Zoney Sound, a Black-owned music collective based in the DMV/Baltimore area.
Black Love Mixtape
February 17th – Chicago, IL @ House of Blues Chicago – Foundation Room
Extending Black Love Day and Valentine’s Day, this poetry mixer will highlight self-love, romantic love, and love for community featuring poetry from Justus Pugh, Soulah, and Matt Muse with a special DJ set from Sky Jetta.
Cocktails and Convos – Studio to Stage
February 23rd – Los Angeles, CA @ Live Nation LA
Black songwriters discuss their journey from songwriting for some of the hottest artists to setting the stage as performers themselves with a special performance from Farrah Fawx to end the night.
Black Joy Comedy Show
February 23rd – Atlanta, GA @ Live Nation Atlanta
Time to revel in some Black Joy! Join us for a night of comedy and drinks featuring comedians DJ Swole, Daniel Dellanno, Plug Chapman and Frankie Benz.
Diaspora: A Celebration of Black Dance Music
February 24th – New York, NY @ Live Nation NY
Black dance culture has always played an integral part in the way Black people express themselves. This happy hour mixer will highlight Black dance music with DJ No Brakes spinning Jersey Club, New Orleans Bounce, Afrobeats, and other dance genres all night, featuring a special guest performance from viral sensation and Jersey Club artist Cookiee Kawaii.
The Houston Mixtape
February 24th – Houston, TX @ HOB Houston
Happy birthday, Hip-Hop! We’re celebrating Hip-Hop’s 50th birthday and Houston’s unique impact on Hip-Hop music and culture with LNE employees, emerging Houston artists, and Houston Hip-Hop legends for drinks, jams, and community.
About Live Nation Entertainment
Live Nation Entertainment (NYSE: LYV) is the world’s leading live entertainment company comprised of global market leaders: Ticketmaster, Live Nation Concerts, and Live NationSponsorship. For additional information, visit www.livenationentertainment.
About Live Nation Urban
Live Nation Urban (LNU) is a partnership with Live Nation Entertainment, the world’s leading live entertainment company. Specifically focusing on Hip-Hop, R&B and Gospel, LNU builds platforms, events, and festivals globally and develops dynamic content strategies based upon the live properties created. Live Nation Urban considers itself the most powerful source for live urban music. For additional information, visit www.livenationurban.com.
