The Mel Brown Music Festival & Symposium brings together a diverse group of community participants, the Black music community, scholars, students and youth, to raise awareness of Mel Brown’s legacy, his musical influence in the Waterloo region. The project seeks to examine historical and contemporary systemic racism, the colonialist curriculum within academic institutions. In recognizing the inequities for students of Black and marginalized communities, the symposium will explore pathways towards equity for entry into higher learning institutions where the music of their cultures, their achievements, and their creativity are recognized, honoured and celebrated. The festival seeks to spotlight and create a historical understanding and a working knowledge of various genres of Black music through live music presented by Black artists, musicians and spoken word. The festival will showcase local, regional, and international Black artists who traditionally are underrepresented in concert venues and on stages in the Waterloo Region.

Attending ALL of the events*? ($75.00; tax included)

Try the promo code: ALLACCESSPASS

Are you a STUDENT and attending ALL of the events*? ($25.00; tax included)

Try the promo code: STUDENTALLACCESSPASS

Friday, May 27th, 2022

8:00pm - Opening Gala, KW Jazz Room*

Performers include:

Joni Nehrita

Rufus John

Alysha Brilla

Saturday, May 28th, 2022

8:30am - Symposium, Maxwell's Music House ($50.00; tax included)

7:00pm - Night of Soul, Highlife and Hip Hop at the KPL, Kitchener Public Library ($25.00; tax included)

Performers include:

Glenn Marais & The Mojo Train

Ehkaya

Haviah Mighty

Sunday, May 29th, 2022

3:00pm - Final Concert featuring Miss Angel and the Homewreckers, THEMUSEUM ($25.00; tax included)

Performers include:

Waterloo Region Mass Choir

Errol Blackwood

Miss Angel Brown

*Please note that tickets for the Jazz Room concert on Friday, May 27th at 8:00pm will need to be purchased directly from the Jazz Room website: CLICK HERE. Please note that the Jazz room event is not included in any discounts or promotions.

Festival details are developing in response to Ontario’s COVID-19 restrictions and guidelines.