ALBANY, N.Y. (NEWS10) — A festival celebrating Black culture is set to return to Albany this weekend. The New York State Black Arts and Cultural Festival will take place at Empire State Plaza on Friday and Saturday.
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New York State Office of General Services (OGS) Commissioner Jeanette Moy announced on Monday that the festival would return. This year’s celebration will feature a gospel night and a festival finale headlined by multi-platinum R&B artist Lloyd.
“The Black Arts and Cultural Festival is an integral part of the annual Summer at the Plaza series organized by Team OGS,” Moy said. “We are immensely proud to host an extraordinary event that fosters a profound sense of unity, heritage, and joy while honoring Black culture.”
In addition to Lloyd, known for songs like “You,” which features Lil Wayne and “Get It Shawty,” local acts will also take the stage during the two-day festival. Powerhouse Funk Band blends R&B, funk, neo-soul and jazz and is known for packing dance floors. DJ Trifecta, who won the 518 DJ Battle last week, will spin tunes throughout the festival.
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Event Schedule
- Gospel Night — Friday, July 31: 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Empire State Plaza Convention Center
- Hosted by the Rev. Joy Marie M. Howard of Albany’s Sweet Pilgrim Missionary Baptist Church, the night will feature inspirational musical devotion with two-time GRAMMY Award-nominee Melvin Crispell, III, Rich Tolbert Jr., Crystal Aikin, and local performances. Attendees should review the venue’s bag policy prior to the event.
- Festival Finale — Saturday, August 1: 12 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Empire State Plaza Main Stage
- Lloyd and Powerhouse Funk Band will perform. Guests can enjoy a variety of food and retail vendors, while participating in free daytime activities for all ages, including:
- MUSE: Women Who Move Culture Forward Runway Show and Designer Pop-Up
- Best Bite Food Competition
- I LOVE NY Black Travel Program
- Boxing Exhibition by the City of Albany’s Department of Recreation
- Joy in Motion Movement Lounge
- Lloyd and Powerhouse Funk Band will perform. Guests can enjoy a variety of food and retail vendors, while participating in free daytime activities for all ages, including:
Free parking is available in the East Garage, on Madison Avenue and in Grant Street parking lots. Paid parking is available in the visitor lot underneath the Empire State Plaza…