About Songs of Black Folk
On Saturday, February 14, 2026, Songs of Black Folk takes to the stage of the beautiful Federal Way Performing Arts and Event Center for a special Black History Month and Valentine’s Day presentation, offering both a 2:00pm Matinee and a 7:30pm evening show.
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This year’s production continues to honor the rich musical traditions that began on the African continent, survived the unimaginable horrors of slavery, and grew into a powerful source of strength, identity, and resistance. From the birth of Negro Spirituals to the evolution of blues, jazz, gospel, R&B, hip-hop, and spoken word, Songs of Black Folk once again highlights how Black music has shaped, uplifted, and influenced culture across the globe.
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More than a performance, Songs of Black Folk 2026 boldly embraces this year’s theme, “YOU CAN’T ERASE BLACK!”, using music to confront the ongoing attempts to whitewash U.S. history and diminish the voices and contributions of Black and other marginalized communities. This year also features a heartfelt tribute to Black on Black Love, including a special poetic offering by the Northwest’s Poet Laureate, Mona Lake-Jones, celebrating tenderness, strength, and connection within the Black community.
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Through music, we continue to draw a direct line between past and present—linking the fight for freedom, justice, and dignity to today’s shared struggles—reminding us once again of the enduring power of art to reveal truth, encourage hope, and inspire lasting change.
OUR MISSION
The mission of SONGS OF BLACK FOLK is to present a worldclass “Fine Arts” production for the Northwest audience that features African American artists, both national and local. Songs of Black Folk provides the Northwest audience with a Black Cultural Arts experience that rivals the most elite productions presented anywhere in the United States. In essence, Songs of Black Folk is the Northwest’s opportunity to annually experience the best of Black folk.
