A festival that pays homage to the ways Black musicians have shaped rock music will debut this Saturday downtown.
"I Made Rock 'N' Roll" will combine a lineup headlined by singer-songwriter Janelle Monáe and include art-making activities, food and advocacy for Black artists.
Creative development firm Ganggang, which is known for putting on the "Butter" Black fine art fair, and Forty5, a promoter and owner of The Vogue, are partnering to organize the festival.
"We're pushing these conversations and having a hell of a show right in the middle of downtown," Forty5 CEO Jenny Boyts told IndyStar in January. "We're not afraid to bring folks together and really push what we believe is really the rightful and just narrative around this kind of music."
All the bands performing have at least one Black member, and educational components will tell stories about Black musicians who organizers note have not been given their due for their contributions to the genre. Saturday's activities include The Sound Space, an audio-visual experience that shows performances by Black rock musicians, and a rock history timeline.
Need a break? Play the USA TODAY Daily Crossword Puzzle.
"Rock 'n' roll music has been this American construct that has been used to divide," Ganggang co-founder Alan Bacon told IndyStar in January. "This is an opportunity where inclusion and camaraderie with and the connection to rock 'n' roll is being used as the beacon to shout out the word from Indianapolis."
Here's who's playing, how to buy tickets and what to know for "I Made Rock 'N' Roll."
Janelle Monáe, Gary Clark Jr. and more to perform
The music begins at noon with Walter Lobyn Hamilton as DJ and continues with artists including Malina Moye, Inner Peace, DJ Bae, Meet Me at the Altar, Rusty Redenbacher, Mr. Kinetik, Joy Oladokun, Robert Randolph Band, DJ Prince, Gary Clark Jr. and DJ SoundsbyCam.
Janelle Monáe is scheduled to take the stage at 8:30 p.m. The event will wrap at 10 p.m.
Find the full lineup at imaderocknroll.com.
Happening soon:Jordin Sparks will return to sing the national anthem at the 2024 Indianapolis 500
When is the I Made Rock 'N' Roll festival?
Saturday, May 18 at American Legion Mall, 700 N. Pennsylvania St.
How to get tickets to I Made Rock 'N' Roll
Remaining tickets start at $85, and kids under 10 years old are free. Upgraded experiences include a VIP club lounge and viewing area as well as private air-conditioned restrooms, depending on the package.
Buy tickets and find information about prohibited items, parking, a site map
imaderocknroll.com.
Looking for things to do? Our newsletter has the best concerts, art, shows and more — and the stories behind them
Contact IndyStar reporter Domenica Bongiovanni at 317-444-7339 or d.bongiovanni@indystar.com. Follow her on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter: @domenicareports.
Most Popular
Comments / 0