Saturday, August 5, the Black Arts Cultural Festival will conclude with a Grand Rising Health & Wellness Fair & a Finale Concert Featuring Grammy-Nominated R&B Artist Keri Hilson

WHAT: Tonight, the New York State Office of General Services (OGS) will host its annual Black Arts and Cultural Festival “Gospel Night” tonight at the Empire State Plaza Convention Center from 5 PM to 8 PM featuring gospel performers from around the Capital Region and a performance by the MLK Ensemble under the direction of Pastor Elgin Joseph Taylor, Sr.

On Saturday, August 5, 2023, The Black Arts and Cultural Festival will continue with a Grand Rising Health & Wellness Fair with Yoga by the Capital District YMCA, HITT by Ana Shaello, and performances by the Hamilton Hill Art Center Umoja African Dancers and drummers.

The event concludes with an “Old vs. New” R&B concert that features 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/.

Friday, August 4, 2023:

• Gospel Night 5:00 p.m.- 8:00 p.m. inside the Empire State Plaza Convention Center with performances by the NYS MLK Ensemble under the direction of Pastor Elgin Joseph Taylor, Sr., Tara Merritt, Restored, Lakisha Watson, Latoya Jackson, H.I.P.H.O.P. & Community Praise, Kieree Jay, Men of Faith and the Capital Region Young Adult Choir

Saturday, August 5, 2023:

• Grand Rising Health & Wellness Fair, Saturday, August 5, 10 am- 1 pm, with yoga by the Capital District YMCA, HITT by Ana Shaello of DNA BodyWorx, and traditional African drumming by the Hamilton Hill Art Center and the Umoja African Dancers.  
• 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 “Old vs. New R&B” concert 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.

Representatives of the media planning to attend the event are asked to RSVP to OGSPressOffice@ogs.ny.gov.