Etana to Headline Jamaica Fest 2026 in the DMV

Posted on July 19, 2026 by Maria Jackson 27 Magazine

Grammy-nominated reggae singer Etana is set to headline Jamaica Fest 2026, a celebration of Jamaican culture taking place on Sunday, August 9, from 12:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at Veterans Plaza in Silver Spring, Maryland.

Presented by the Embassy of Jamaica in association with Right Now for Jamaica, Inc., the family-friendly festival will showcase the spirit of Jamaica through live music, cuisine, arts and crafts, cultural displays, and activities for all ages. Organizers say the event aims to unite the Jamaican diaspora and friends of the island from across the Washington, D.C., Maryland, and Virginia (DMV) region.

Known for hits such as Wrong Address, I Rise, and People Talk, Etana‘s performance is expected to be one of the festival’s major highlights. Additional event information, including updates on attractions and activities, is available through the festival’s official website at www.jamaicafestdc.com.

Blakkwuman22 Music’s ‘The Freedom Project’ Inspires Through Music, Faith and Freedom

Posted on July 18, 2026 by Maria Jackson 27 Magazine

Blakkwuman22 Music proudly presents The Freedom Project, a reggae music initiative celebrating personal, creative, and spiritual freedom through a series of powerful new releases. The project marks the debut release from SheltaRock under her new artistic identity, while also introducing Yahdeen Essence in her first release since officially joining the Blakkwuman22 Music label. Their respective singles, both titled “Freedom,” reflect each artist’s unique interpretation of liberation and serve as the lead releases from the forthcoming Freedom Riddim.

Expanding the project’s message is inspirational reggae and gospel artist LFM with her new single, “Freedom of Choice,” written and produced by SheltaRock. The song delivers an uplifting message about choosing faith, righteousness, and spiritual growth over ego and negativity. Recorded and mixed at Prosonic Studio in Hughenden, the track came to life after SheltaRock and LFM connected through a mutual music associate, with LFM‘s heartfelt vocal delivery bringing the song’s vision to fruition.

The Freedom Project, including “Freedom,” “Freedom of Choice,” and the upcoming Freedom Riddim, is available through Blakkwuman22 Music on the label’s official website, blakkwuman22music.com.

Hazel View Media Presents “Healing in Harmony” Panel Discussion in Charlotte

Posted on July 18, 2026 by mariajackson27

Hazel View Media will host “Healing in Harmony,” a community event centered on wellness, storytelling, and music, on Friday, August 14, 2026, from 9–11 a.m. at Sip City, located at 917 Central Ave, Charlotte, North Carolina.

The event, themed “Good Vibes. Real Stories. Healing Sounds,” will feature a panel discussion titled “Healing the Voice: What You Carry, How You Use It, and How You Protect It.” The conversation will be hosted by Jeff Lewis, with Aliya Faust serving as curator.

The panel will bring together six voices for the discussion: Jalisa Faye, Kelontae Gavin, “Griff,” Darlene “McCoy” Jackson, Mike Teezy, and Deborah Haynes-Carolina.
Musical performances will follow, featuring Justin Radford and Taylented, with additional music provided by DJ Party With Parks.

More details and registration can be found via the event’s Eventbrite listing.

Keith Sweat’s Birthday Bash Comes to Barclays Center This July

Posted on July 18, 2026 by mariajackson27

Keith Sweat will celebrate his birthday in style with a star-studded R&B concert at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York, on July 25.

Dubbed “Keith Sweat’s Birthday Bash,” the event brings together some of R&B’s most beloved voices, with Joe, Dru Hill, and Kut Klose confirmed to join Sweat on the bill. Organizers say additional artists will be announced in the coming days, promising an even bigger lineup as the date approaches.

Known for hits like “Twisted” and “Nobody,” Keith Sweat has long been a defining figure in New Jack Swing and R&B, and this milestone celebration is expected to draw fans eager to hear classics from him and his fellow performers.

Tickets for the show are available through Ticketmaster.

Donell Jones & Ginuwine Set for London Concert at Troxy

Posted on July 17, 2026 by Maria Jackson 27 Magazine

Recording artists Donell Jones and Ginuwine will take the stage at Troxy on Friday, July 24, 2026. The concert is scheduled to begin at 7:00 p.m. at the iconic venue, which is located at 490 Commercial Road in London, Great Britain.

Known for their extensive catalogs of chart-topping hits, both artists have played a significant role in shaping contemporary R&B. The highly anticipated concert will give fans the opportunity to experience classic favorites performed live, celebrating two of the genre’s most recognizable voices. Get tickets here.

Ricky Dillard & New G’s to Celebrate 38th Anniversary with Pop-Up Concert in Milwaukee

Posted on July 17, 2026 by Maria Jackson 27 Magazine

Gospel music icon Ricky Dillard, alongside his choir New G‘s, will bring his 38th Anniversary Pop-Up Concert to Milwaukee on July 26th at 5:00 PM, with doors opening at 4:30 PM. The concert will be held at Greater New Birth Church, located at 8237 W. Silver Spring Drive, under the leadership of Bishop RJ Burt, Sr. and Pastor Patricia Burt.

Tickets are available now, with General Admission priced at $25 and VIP access at $38. Attendees can secure their spots by visiting Eventbrite..

SMAC Conference Returns to Birmingham on August 5–8

Posted on July 17, 2026 by Maria Jackson 27 Magazine

The Singers & Musicians Arts Conference (SMAC) returns this year from August 5–8 at Tabernacle of Praise Ministries in Center Point, Alabama. The official host hotel for the conference is the Hilton Birmingham at UAB, conveniently located at 808 20th Street South in Birmingham.

The four-day conference opens Wednesday with an Empowerment Luncheon, followed by SMAC Bootcamp on Thursday, and closes Friday with the SMAC Showcase and “A Song Is Born” segment.

This year’s lineup includes SMAC President Dr. Dorinda Clark-Cole as Wednesday’s featured speaker, along with Bishop E. Dewey Smith as Thursday’s speaker and Faith Evans as the luncheon’s keynote speaker. Additional guests include Jacky Clark-Chisholm, Ben Tankard, musical guest Melvin Crispell III, and musical group The Group Fire.

Registration is open now at www.DorindaClarkCole.com.