AFRAM at 50: Baltimore Celebrates Five Decades of the East Coast’s Largest Free African-American Festival

Posted on June 8, 2026 by Maria Jackson 27 Magazine

Baltimore’s iconic AFRAM Festival will celebrate its 50th anniversary in 2026 with a three-day event at Druid Hill Park. Presented by the Mayor’s Office of Arts, Culture & Entertainment in partnership with Baltimore City Recreation & Parks, the free festival returns over Juneteenth weekend and continues its longstanding tradition as the largest free African-American festival on the East Coast.

Headlining the anniversary edition is legendary soul singer Charlie Wilson, joined by R&B favorites Dru Hill, SWV and Mario, as well as acclaimed hip-hop group The Lox. AFRAM will also have additional performances from Tamia, PJ Morton, Normani, Chlöe Bailey, Lil Mo, Ultra Naté, Brandon Woody, J Brown, and Paula Campbell.

Heltah Skeltah & OGC Headline Free SummerStage Concert This July

Posted on June 5, 2026 by Maria Jackson 27 Magazine

New York’s iconic SummerStage concert series will host a landmark evening of Brooklyn hip-hop on Thursday, July 9, as Heltah Skeltah and OGC of Boot Camp Clik take the stage at Herbert Von King Park in Bed-Stuy — and admission is completely free.

The event marks the 30th anniversary of two defining releases from the Boot Camp Clik roster: Heltah Skeltah‘s debut Nocturnal and OGC‘s Da Storm, both of which arrived in 1996 and cemented the collective’s reputation as one of New York’s most formidable underground forces. The dual-act billing makes for a rare full celebration of that era.

The show is part of SummerStage 40, Capital One City Parks Foundation’s season marking four decades of free outdoor performances across New York City’s parks. Herbert Von King Park, a cultural hub at the heart of Bed-Stuy, provides a fittingly homecoming setting for two groups whose music is inseparable from Brooklyn’s identity.

City of Newark to Honor R&B Legend Faith Evans with Street Dedication and Block Party

Posted on June 4, 2026 by Maria Jackson 27 Magazine

The City of Newark, New Jersey, will celebrate one of its own with a Street Dedication and Block Party in honor of Grammy Award-winning R&B artist Faith Evans on Saturday, June 13, 2026.

The festivities will be held at the intersection of Grumman Avenue and Elizabeth Avenue, with the block party running from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and the formal street dedication ceremony taking place at 12 p.m.

The event is being hosted with the support of Newark Mayor Ras J. Baraka, South Ward Councilman Patrick Council, and Council Member-at-Large Louise Scott-Rountree, reflecting the city’s deep pride in Evans as a hometown icon.

St. Kitts Music Festival 2026 Closes Out with a Star-Studded Saturday Night

Posted on May 30, 2026 by Maria Jackson 27 Magazine

The 28th edition of the St. Kitts Music Festival is set to deliver one of its most memorable closing nights yet, with a powerhouse lineup taking the stage at Warner Park Stadium on Saturday, June 27, 2026.

Running from June 25 to 27, the festival once again transforms Warner Park Stadium into a multi-night celebration of Caribbean and global entertainment. Saturday’s bill is headlined by an impressive mix of international icons and regional favourites, featuring Grammy-winning R&B star Fantasia, the legendary Boyz II Men — widely regarded as the best-selling R&B group of all time — alongside reggae greats Beres Hammond, Luciano, and Tarrus Riley performing with Dean Fraser & The Blak Soil Band. Rounding out the night are D’Yani, Zu, and Gharlic & The Upper Level Band.

The festival has long held its position as the Caribbean’s flagship music event, drawing visitors from across the region and beyond. St. Kitts Tourism Minister Hon. Marsha T. Henderson described the 2026 edition as “not just an event” but “a cultural moment,” inviting the world to be part of it.

Tickets are on sale now at stkittsmusicfestival.com.

Dionne Warwick and John Legend Unite on Heartfelt Ballad “Where Is Your Heart”

Posted on May 29, 2026 by Maria Jackson 27 Magazine

Legendary singer Dionne Warwick has joined forces with award-winning artist John Legend for the heartfelt ballad “Where Is Your Heart”, which was released across streaming platforms on May 8, 2026, via Elliott Entertainment LLC.

The song explores themes of love, and emotional honesty, making it relatable across a variety of relationships, including romantic partners, friends, and family members. Its universal message encourages listeners to reflect on the importance of being present for the people they care about.

Warwick and Legend further brought the song to life with a studio performance video, which premiered on YouTube on May 20. Showcasing the pair’s distinctive vocal talents, the performance highlights the warmth and sincerity that define “Where Is Your Heart”.

CallHimd Puts Faith Front and Center on New Album “ALL HIM”

Posted on May 29, 2026 by Maria Jackson 27 Magazine

Independent gospel-rap artist CallHimd released his new album, ALL HIM, on May 22, 2026. The 17-track project showcases a blend of previously released favorites and brand-new material, highlighting the artist’s exceptional songwriting and lyrical ability.

Throughout the album, CallHimd delivers powerful messages centered on faith, perseverance, and putting God first in every circumstance. Opening with a captivating acapella chorus, ALL HIM quickly transitions into a collection of lyrically rich performances that reinforce his reputation as one of the most skilled rappers in today’s music landscape, regardless of genre.

Executed with passion and excellence from start to finish, the album offers something for both believers seeking inspirational content and hip-hop enthusiasts who appreciate authentic lyricism. ALL HIM is now available on all major streaming platforms.

South Fulton Announces Free Juneteenth Celebration at Wolf Creek Amphitheater

Posted on May 29, 2026 by Maria Jackson 27 Magazine

The City of South Fulton will host its annual Juneteenth Celebration on Sunday, June 14, at Wolf Creek Amphitheater in South Fulton, Georgia. The free community event begins at 5 p.m., with gates opening at 4 p.m.

The celebration will feature live performances from renowned R&B artists Carl Thomas, Case, Tela, Syleena Johnson, and Sunshine Anderson.

Designed to honor freedom, culture, and unity, the event will also offer family-friendly activities, food trucks, complimentary parking, and a fireworks finale. Organizers are encouraging residents and visitors alike to attend what promises to be an evening of entertainment and community celebration.