Black Arts Fest MKE brings celebration of Black culture and African heritage to Milwaukee

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- An annual showcase of Black cultural arts and African heritage is scheduled to take place in Milwaukee with the 2023 theme being, "Doing it for the culture," with an aim to educate and entertain attendees.

Milwaukee will host the annual Black Arts Fest MKE at the Summerfest grounds. The festival, scheduled for Saturday, will run from 12 p.m. until 10 p.m.

Festival highlights include the Divine 9 Party Roll Call, free sip and paint sessions, heritage poetry and the Business Class Sky Lounge. The event also introduces a Steppers Set, showcasing diverse styles of Black ballroom and line dancing.

The festival will host performances on three stages: the Miller Lite Oasis, the Cultural Stage and Family Village Kids Stage. Acts performing include:

Miller Stage Lineup:

• 12 p.m. - Christopher's Project (Jazz)
• 1 p.m. - R.L. Smith & Inspiration (Gospel)
• 2 p.m. - Natty Nation (Reggae)
• 3:30 p.m. - Tina Turner Tribute by Esh the Singer (Rock)
• 7:30 p.m. - Klassik (Electro Symphonic Hip-Hop)

Cultural Stage Lineup:

• 1:30 p.m. - Emmitt James (Hip-Hop Jazz)
• 3 p.m. - Stepper’s Set Hosted By MSBU
• 4 p.m. - The Shonn Hinton Experience (R&B)
• 7 p.m. - Love, Peace, and Soul (Soul/Old School R&B)

Family Village and Kids Area:

• 1 p.m. - JustUs & Books by Dannette Justus (Read-a-Loud)
• 2 p.m. - Signature Dance Company (Dance)
• 3 p.m. - African Dance by Fetch Du’ Senegal (Heritage)
• 5 p.m. - Drums Up Guns Down: African Healing Circle (Heritage)

Tickets are available at BlackArtsFestMKE.com and at festival gates. Adult tickets are priced at $20, seniors at $15 and youth tickets at $12.

Admission is free for children aged 7 and under and veterans with military credentials.