It's Soul Weekend!

Well, it's been over a year since I made my last post. I have been struggling on & off with health issues, working on personal projects, & doing board work for Friends of Music Hall.

Every time I've made plans to go out for the weekend, I somehow wind up staying at home in bed...not this weekend! I forced myself out of bed and made my way downtown to the pageantry that I call the Cincinnati Music Festival, the oldest black music festival in the United States.

The week before, I happen to capture some artwork as part of an outdoor museum, celebrating 50 years of hip hop.

So much pageantry & revelry going on this past weekend. The likes of Snoop Dogg, Al Green, Jill Scott, Babyface, & others took over Paycor Stadium (formerly Paul Brown Stadium), but the highlight of my weekend was the historic grand opening of the Cincinnati Black Music Walk of Fame. 

Created by Hamilton County commissioner Alicia Reece, this new tourist attraction is a family friendly interactive experience like no other. This tells the story of Cincinnati's black musicians, songwriters, industry professionals, & innovators.

As you enter, you will hear the mesmerizing voice of Penny Ford, who's best known for the hit "The Power" as part of the group Snap!, welcoming you.

There are interactive exhibits where you can be part of Bootsy Collins band, have a dance party with Penny Ford, or record yourself singing some legendary tunes. There are even QR codes to scan to really immerse yourself in the experience.

O.K., enough talk. Let me give you a taste of what to experience:

Can you guess who? Looking for the answer? You gotta visit to find out!

                                   

Like I told ya, you gotta get there to get the answer!

Went to Withrow High School, recorded for King Records, & performed at                                                  Music Hall.

Author of "We Shall Overcome" 

Lead singer of the Spinners, raised in the New Orphanage asylum for Colored                                                   Children in Avondale,

                                         Who's star will be here next?

Oh, before I forget, it costs absolutely nothing to visit!

This is a place where the elders can reminisce, & the young people can learn about this robust Black music history.

If you want good clean fun while learning about Cincinnati's Black music history, CBMWOF is the place to be!