New York State Office of General Services Commissioner Jeanette Moy today announced that the New York State Black Arts and Cultural Festival returns as a three-day event from August 3- August 5.  This year, the festival includes a teen night, gospel night, health & wellness fair, and concert finale featuring Grammy Nominated R&B Artist Keri Hilson.

 “Every summer, OGS is proud to host the New York State Black Arts and Cultural Festival, where we celebrate the rich and diverse culture of Black Americans in the Capital Region and throughout New York State,” Commissioner Moy said. “From performance art to literary and visual arts, this unique festival has something for everyone. Bring your friends and your family out to celebrate this 3-day exhibition of entertainment, education, and great food, this is a festival like no other!”

The Black Arts and Cultural Festival will feature special performances by headliner Keri Hilson, Sonny Bivins Manhattan, and the winner of the 518 DJ Battle. This year, the Black Arts and Cultural Festival is also part of the I LOVE NY Summer of Hip Hop 50th Anniversary celebration featuring a line-up of events across the state. More: https://www.iloveny.com/events/hip-hop/.

Keri Hilson is an American R&B singer, songwriter, and actress who has produced numerous chart-topping songs, including ‘Knock You Down,’ ‘Pretty Girl Rock.’  In 2009 she released her debut album, “In a Perfect World,” which debuted at number four on the Billboard 200 chart and was number one on the Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart. She is a renowned songwriter who has written songs for Usher, Ludacris, Toni Braxton, Kelly Rowland, and more.

Sonny Bivins is an  American vocalist & composer who came to prominence as a member of the R&B and soul band, The Manhattans. The Manhattans’ work includes a million-selling songs "Kiss and Say Goodbye" recorded in 1976 and 1980's "Shining Star.” They have recorded 45 chart hits on the Billboard R&B Chart, including twelve top 10 R&B hits in the United States charting on the Billboard chart for the first time in 1965. The Manhattans had 16 singles reached the Billboard Hot 100, including two Top 10s and a number 1 hit with their song "Kiss and Say Goodbye.” They also charted some 8 U.S. R&B Top 20 Albums, three of which were R.I.A.A. certified gold.

This year’s festival will feature:

• Teen Night, Thursday, August 3, 5-8 PM, hosted by Her Temple Monologues founder Shavina Richardson featuring DJ Mr. CEO, spoken word artist, local singers, and performances by Team Onyx, The Elite Barbetts, 2Hot4U, The Manifestant Tonesetters and more.
• Gospel Night, Friday, August 4, 5-8 PM, featuring gospel performers from around the Capital Region and a performance by the MLK Ensemble.
• Grand Rising Health & Wellness Fair, Saturday, August 5, 10 am- 1 pm, with yoga by Nikki Rogers and YMCA and HITT by Ana Shaello.
  • Saturday’s events will include cultural exhibits by the 369th Veterans Association, Rapp Road Historical Association, Underground Railroad History Project of the Capital Region, and more
  • Albany Tulip Queen and the queen’s court
• Concert Finale Featuring Keri Hilson and Sonny Bivins Manhattans, Saturday, August 5, 5-8 PM.

The Black Arts and Cultural Festival is sponsored by Jamz 96.3, Renaissance Albany Hotel, MVP Health Care, Price Chopper/Market 32, CDTA, and YMCA.

Free parking is available in the East Garage, Madison Avenue, and Grand Street parking lots. Paid parking is available in the visitor lot underneath the Empire State Plaza.

The event will take place on Empire State Plaza, with a contingency rain location in the Convention Center.  For event updates and additional information, visit empirestateplaza.ny.gov, @EmpireStatePlaza on Facebook, and @plazaevents on Twitter, or call (518) 474-4759.

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