Mya to Headline the Black Arts and Cultural Festival at the Empire State Plaza on August 3

New York State Office of General Services Commissioner RoAnn M. Destito today announced the lineup for New York State’s 2019 Black Arts and Cultural Festival, which will be held from 2 to 7 p.m. on Saturday, August 3 at the Empire State Plaza in Albany. This year’s festival will feature performances by Grammy-winning artist Mýa and by special guests, Gedeon Luke & The People, Annette Harris, and the Divine Connection Ministry.

“The Black Arts and Cultural Festival is an annual event that celebrates African American history and culture with delicious food and free entertainment that everyone can enjoy,” Commissioner Destito said. “We’re very excited to have Mýa, who recently celebrated the 21st anniversary of her double platinum debut album, performing at this year’s festival, and I want to thank all our generous sponsors for helping us to bring an exciting lineup of music, art, dance, and activities to the Empire State Plaza for this cultural event.”

The festival will feature a special performance by Mýa, a Grammy Award-winning singer, songwriter, producer, musician, dancer/choreographer, actress, activist, and philanthropist. Mýa released her self-titled, double platinum debut album in 1998. That album, launched the then 18-year-old into the fabric of pop culture. In 2001, Mýa collaborated with Christina Aguilera, Lil’ Kim, Pink, and Missy Elliot on a remake of Labelle’s “Lady Marmalade,” which sold over 5.5 million copies and won the Grammy Award for Best Pop Collaboration. A season 9 finalist on “Dancing with the Stars,” Mýa’s work in television can also be found on “NCIS,” “Haunted,” and “Sister Sister.” Her participation in the musical film “Chicago” earned her a Screen Actors Guild Award.

The festival will kick off at 2 p.m. with a homecoming drumline performance presented by Team Onyx. The day’s lineup will also include performances on the main stage with gospel music by the Divine Connection Ministry; jazz by Annette Harris; and soul music by Gedeon Luke and the People.

The festival will also feature:

• A gospel stage, featuring the Divine Connection Ministry and local gospel choirs.
• A children’s performance area hosted by the Frank Chapman Memorial Institute.
• Teen Scene hosted by Her Temple Monologues.
• An African American Heritage Area with a replica of the Emancipation Proclamation from the New York State Museum and African dance and drumming by Operation Unite, New York.
• The Albany Center Galleries, which will present works by regional visual artists that are inspired by and celebrate black heritage and culture.
• An UpState New York Black Chamber of Commerce Outreach Area that will be focused on expanding the economic footprint of black and minority businesses and entrepreneurs.
• Kids activities, including bounce houses, face painting, pony rides, balloons, and strolling entertainers.

One the biggest draws of the festival is the amazing food that will be served up by more than a dozen vendors, including Jamaican and other Caribbean cuisine, chicken, fish, and ribs prepared by local churches, and desserts to satisfy everyone’s sweet tooth. There will also be nearly 40 other vendors that will be providing information and selling handmade crafts, textiles, hair care products, and books.

Performance Schedule

Main Stage

2:00 p.m.    Team Onyx Homecoming Drumline

2:15 p.m.      Divine Connection Ministry, gospel

3:00 p.m.     Annette Harris jazz quartet

4:00 p.m.     DJ Brian B

4:15 p.m.      Gedeon Luke and the People

5:30 p.m.     DJ Brian B

6:00 p.m.     Mýa

Free parking will be available in the East Garage and the Cathedral, Madison, and Grand Street parking lots. Paid parking is also available in the visitor lot underneath the plaza.

For event updates, visit empirestateplaza.ny.gov, @EmpireStatePlaza on Facebook, and @plazaevents on Twitter, or call (518) 474-4759.

No alcoholic beverages, coolers (defined as rigid insulated containers), or glass containers of any kind, animals or pets, other than ADA-defined service animals, will be allowed.

Sponsors include CDTA, New York State of Health, T-Mobile, New York’s 529 College Savings Program, SONYMA, MVP Health Care, Price Chopper & Market 32, UpState New York Black Chamber of Commerce, Renaissance Albany Hotel, Hot 99.1 FM, and Times Union.