Public Enemy, The Roots, Meshell Ndegeocello, Living Colour and D.C.’s own Experience Unlimited are scheduled to play opening weekend of the National Museum of African American History and Culture, the Smithsonian announced today.
“Freedom Sounds: A Community Celebration” is a free, three-day concert taking place on the grounds of the Washington Monument from Friday, Sept. 23 to Sunday, Sept. 25. Co-produced by the Smithsonian Folklife Festival, the event ushers in the opening of the Smithsonian’s newest museum Sept. 24.
President Obama is expected to preside over the opening ceremony on the 24th, cutting the ribbon for a museum that was established as an Act of Congress in 2003.
Other performers on the bill include Stax Music Academy, Preservation Hall Jazz Band, 9th Wonder, Sweet Honey in the Rock, Josh White Jr., Dom Flemons, the McIntosh County Shouters and Jean Carne. D.C.-area dance groups the National Hand Dance Association and Urban Artistry also appear on the bill.
“The themes of the festival highlight the social power of African American music as a communicator of cultural values, challenges, aspirations and creative expression,” concert co-curator Mark Puryear says in a press release.
“Freedom Sounds” will run Friday, Sept. 23 from noon to 5 p.m. and the following Saturday and Sunday from noon to 5 p.m. and 6 to 9 p.m. Complete lineup and schedule information can be found on the museum’s website.
More on the National Museum of African American History and Culture:
- WAMU’s interview with Founding Director Lonnie Bunch
- Lonnie Bunch on the Kojo Nnamdi Show
- How The Smithsonian Is Building Its New, Sweeping Collection Of Black American Music
- Death Has Been Called the First Punk Band. Now They’re in the Smithsonian
- Smithsonian Acquires Collection of Classic Hip-Hop Photos
- J Dilla’s Gear Is Headed to the Smithsonian
- Inside the Creation of the Smithsonian’s African American Museum