CITY OF NEW ROCHELLE TO HOST FREE CONCERT CELEBRATING BLACK HISTORY MONTH
‘Music of the African Diaspora’ Performance Scheduled for Saturday, February 26 at 5pm
Programming Sponsored by New Rochelle Industrial Development Agency (IDA) in Support of Ongoing
Downtown Revitalization Initiative (DRI) Community Engagement
New Rochelle, NY – Local residents and visitors will have an opportunity to celebrate Black History Month and the vast contributions of Black musicians this Saturday at a free concert hosted by the City of New Rochelle.
The City of New Rochelle continues its active celebration of diversity, inclusion and community engagement as part of the Downtown Revitalization Initiative (DRI) currently underway. In partnership with New Rochelle Corporation for Local Development (CLD) and the Kingdom Community Consultants, the “Music of the African Diaspora” concert will feature an impressive and eclectic list of performances by accomplished classical vocalist Imhotep, the Ology Gospel Choir, Befo Quotet, and the Kendall Williams Steel Pan Ensemble.
People of all ages and families are welcome to join the celebrations and listen to top-notch entertainment on Saturday, February 26 at 5pm at 592 Main St.
“Music has been an integral part of African culture since the beginning of time,” said program organizer Minister Mark McLean of Kingdom Community Consultants. “The rhythm and power of the African drum has always been essential in Black musical expression. As Black people populated the world, the African drum and its syncopated rhythms created powerful new musical artistic expressions that transformed the music world forever. Whether it be the classic Negro Spirituals, the soulfulness of Gospel, the gut-wrenching emotions of the Blues, or the amazing improvisation of Jazz, Black music has always influenced the lives and culture of America. In the Caribbean the royal sounds of the steel drum, and the liberating soulful power of Reggae not only revolutionized music in the Caribbean but dominates the soundtrack of the world.”
“The City of New Rochelle remains committed to honoring the diverse backgrounds, experiences and cultures of residents,” said Councilmember Yadira Ramos-Herbert. “We are proud to advance the racial awakening and reckoning happening in communities across America, and in honoring Black History Month we are celebrating the contributions of African Americans and promoting equality and inclusion for all.”
In partnership with Kingdom Community Consultants, the City of New Rochelle is reinforcing its commitment to providing residents with diverse opportunities to enjoy more arts and culture within the community as part of the Downtown Revitalization Initiative. After winning the Governor’s $10 million Downtown Revitalization Initiative award in 2018, the city has focused on six key projects that will revive the Lincoln Avenue Corridor and ensure the neighborhood benefits from adjacent redevelopment. A key component of the Downtown Revitalization Initiative is to enhance the cultural, artistic and historical community of New Rochelle to reflect and celebrate the unique heritage and diversity of the city.
For more information on the City of New Rochelle, visit www.ideallynewrochelle.com. For more information on the Downtown Revitalization Initiative and to provide project feedback, visit www.newrochelledri.com.
About the City of New Rochelle:
With its unparalleled location, superb quality of life, diverse and talented residents and a focused business climate, New Rochelle is experiencing the transformation of a generation. The City’s current economic development plan will provide a spark for the entire Hudson Valley region, positioning the City as “open for business” and embracing smart, transit-oriented development growth patterns that promote open space, its close proximity to New York City and opportunities for businesses to rebound, recover and succeed in the current economic climate. Accelerated by a new, fast-track zoning process along with resources for small businesses and micro-enterprises, the ongoing Master Development initiative will continue to enhance the downtown area by supporting job creation, property values and private investment – while enhancing sustainability and livability through green and energy-efficient design. For more information on why New Rochelle is ideally yours, please visit https://www.ideallynewrochelle.com.