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About Songs of Black Folk
The 2027 Show: "The Soul of the Black Woman"
Songs of Black Folk returns on March 6, 2027, for two unforgettable performances at the historic Pantages Theater in Tacoma, Washington. Continuing its tradition of celebrating the rich musical heritage of the African diaspora, this year's production honors the music that began on the African continent, endured slavery, and evolved into the spirituals, blues, jazz, gospel, R&B, hip-hop, and spoken word that have shaped culture worldwide.
SBF 2027 embraces this year's theme, "The Soul of the Black Woman," celebrating the strength, resilience, creativity, and enduring influence of Black women throughout history. Through powerful musical performances, storytelling, and the extraordinary artistry of our orchestra and featured performers, this year's production will honor the voices of Black women who have shaped generations, carried traditions forward, and transformed struggle into hope. This moving celebration of music, culture, and community will once again remind audiences of the enduring power of Black art to inspire, unite, and create lasting change.
The Music
Songs of Black Folk (SBF) demonstrated and celebrated the evolution of African music in U.S. culture over the past four centuries within the context of the African American experience of bondage, suffering, and the struggle against oppression. SBF followed that evolution from the rise of the Negro Spirituals and their transformation into other Black musical genres including blues, jazz, Country Western, gospel, rock-n-roll, R&B, funk, hip-hop, and spoken word.
The SBF audience experienced how all genres of African American music functioned both as tools of political resistance and as potent sources of hope for a people who had endured more than four centuries of anti-Blackness within a white supremacist society that had been relentless in its assaults on Black lives. Ultimately, the SBF experience connected the African American struggle for freedom, justice, dignity, and happiness with the struggles of other American communities who had fought their way from the margins of American society into the mainstream.
OUR MISSION
The mission of Songs of Black Folk is to provide the Pacific Northwest audience a worldclass fine arts production that features elite African American artists, both national and local. The aim of SBF is to provide a Cultural Arts experience that rivals the most elite productions presented anywhere in the United States. In essence, Songs of Black Folk is the Pacific Northwest’s opportunity to annually experience the “best of Black folk”. And by doing so, inspire the next generation of African American artists.
THE ALBUM IS HERE
Secure your piece of history by pre-ordering our exclusive vinyl album, Songs of Black Folk: Music of Resistance & Hope. Available for a limited time only, don't miss out—reserve your copy today before it's gone. This unique memorabilia is a must-have for your personal collection. Visit our online store now to place your order, and explore other specially designed merchandise!
