WHAT: The New York State Office of General Services (OGS) Black Arts and Cultural Festival continues today with a Grand Rising Health & Wellness Fair with Yoga by the Capital District YMCA, HITT by Ana Shaello of DNA BodyWorx, 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 Manhattans, 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/.

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, 5-8 pm, featuring Keri Hilson, Sonny Bivins Manhattans, and the winner of the 518 DJ Battle.

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 song, "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.

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 occur 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.

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