The Blackity Black Guide to Black History Month: Important Cultural Events Happening Around The Country
Black History is celebrated 365 days a year, but every February is dedicated to celebrating the notable contributions created by Black people throughout the last several generations. When it comes to honoring those who came before us, concerts, events, musicals and exhibits are taking place from Feb. 1 - Feb. 28, 2023 all throughout the country and it should be top of mind this month that you take in as much cultural content as you can.
But don’t fret, BET.com is prepared with a selection of events from major cities to attend during this month!
Washington D.C and DMV
Men of Distinction Step Showcase
What: Bowie High School’s Men of Distinction step team will perform a showcase to celebrate Black History Month
Where: Bowie Center for the Performing Arts
When: Feb. 10 at 6 p.m.
Purchase tickets here.
Black History Month Celebration Concert
What: Howard County Center of African American Culture will host a celebration concert featuring gospel, jazz, spirituals, and contemporary choral performances.
Where: Howard Community College
When: Feb. 5 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Purchase tickets here.
Seven Minutes Black Comedy Show
What: Busboys and Poets will host seven Black comedians to perform seven minutes of comedy plus a Black culture trivia contest.
Where: Busboys and Poets
When: Feb. 24 from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Purchase tickets here.
Philadelphia
Opera Singer Angel Blue and the Philadelphia Orchestra
What: A performance of several pieces that relate to the Black experience.
Where: Verizon Hall at the Kimmel Center
When: Feb. 3 at 7:30 p.m.; Feb. 4 at 2 p.m. and Feb. 5 at 8 p.m.
More info here.
Dancin’ In The Streets: The Music of MOTOWN
What: A concert by the Philly POPS that will feature Motown hits from artists like Marvin Gaye, Diana Ross, Stevie Wonder and more
Where: Verizon Hall at the Kimmel Center
When: Feb. 18 at 8 p.m.; Feb. 19 at 3 p.m. and Feb. 20 at 3.pm.
Purchase tickets here.
California
6th Annual Los Angeles Black History Month Festival
What: This festival will include a panel discussion about African American literature, health and wellness conversations, as well as live music.
Where: Michelle and Barach Obama Sports Complex
When: Feb. 19 from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
More information here.
Black History Month Prosperity Market Pop-up
Where: California African American Museum
When: Feb. 25 from 11:00 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.
More info here.
Black Joy Parade
Where: Oakland, Cali
When: Feb. 26
More info here.
Cocktails and Convos - Studio to Stage
What: 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.
Where: Los Angeles, CA at Live Nation LA
When: Feb. 23
More info here.
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Mississippi
Mississippi Symphony Orchestra
What: The Mississippi Symphony Orchestra will conduct "JAZZ Redefined," with a special performance of “Black American Symphony” by Grammy Award-winning trumpeter and composer Nicholas Payton.
Where: Thalia Mara Hall
When: Feb. 25
Purchase tickets here.
New York
“Color Between the Lines”
What: Brooklyn’s Irondale Esemble Project will put on a original musical in collaboration with the Brooklyn Historical Society and the Weeksville Heritage Center, the live performance will follow the unknown stories of Brooklyn’s abolitionist struggle and will explore racial tensions from the past and present.
Where: The Space at Irondale
When: Feb. 4
Purchase tickets here.
Harlem Chamber Players
What: Harlem Chamber Players will perform works by Duke Ellington, Samuel Coleridge-Taylor, guest pianist and composer Aruán Ortiz and guest clarinetist Don Byron.
Where: The Schomburg Center
When: Feb. 16
More info here.
Concerts at The National Jazz Museum in Harlem
Who: Jazz vocalist Imani Rousselle
Where: Hansborough Recreation Center
When: Feb. 10 from 6 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.
More info here.
Who: Jazz pianist and composer Sean Mason
Where: Pelham Fritz Recreation Center
When: Feb. 18 from 2 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.
More info here.
Diaspora: A Celebration of Black Dance Music
What: 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 Cookiee Kawaii.
Where: Live Nation NY
When: Feb. 24
South Carolina
“Rhythm with Our Roots: A Celebration of Black Musical Heritage”
What: The evening will include a dinner, musical performance and speakers of the night. Honorees at the 2023 event include: Sandy Grove Choirs, Riggins Young Adult Choir, Merry Evening Gospel Singers, Barbara Lawrence, Taniya Boatwright, New Creation, Jazz EtcTamir & Company, and Sherwin “Wayne” Golson.
Where: Mary C. Canty Recreation Center
When: Feb. 25 at 6 p.m.
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Ohio
Black History Festival
What: The Bureau for International Development Exchanges and Commerce (BIDEC) will put on a four-day celebration that will offer guests excursions, live performances, networking opportunities, and more to celebrate the heritage of Africa’s diaspora.
Where: Renaissance Hotel in Downtown Columbus
When: Feb. 15-18
More info here.
Illinois
Black Love Mixtape
What: As an extension of Black Love Day and Valentine's Day, this poetry mixer will highlight self-love, romantic love, and love for the community featuring poetry from Justus Pugh, Soulah, and Matt Muse with a special DJ set from Sky Jetta.
Where: House of Blues Chicago - Foundation Room
When: Feb. 17
Atlanta
Black Joy Comedy Show
What: A night of comedy and drinks featuring comedians DJ Swole, Daniel Dellanno, Plug Chapman and Frankie Benz.
Where: Live Nation Atlanta
When: Feb. 23
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Houston
The Houston Mixtape
What: Celebrating Hip-Hop's 50th birthday and Houston’s unique impact on Hip-Hop music and culture with emerging Houston artists and Houston Hip-Hop legends.
Where: House of Blues
When: Feb. 24
