AFROPUNK’s widening array of live events and experiences aim to build community through joyous expression, thought-provoking discussion, and celebratory musical performances. Today, AFROPUNK announces the lineup for Planet AFROPUNK Live: Minneapolis, the first-ever AFROPUNK live experience in the Midwest. The upcoming live experience starts with a series of panel discussions designed to explore the connection between art and activism and promote community healing, before transitioning toward a celebration of life, music, food, and culture on the second day. With a lineup of performers that includes Ari Lennox, Noname, Mereba, Sango, Dreamer Isioma, Pink Siifu, and some of the best rising acts in the Twin Cities, Planet AFROPUNK Live: Minneapolis happens on June 18th-19th, with panels/events across the city on June 18th and performances on June 19th in Sheridan Memorial Park.
Minneapolis has a rich history as a hub of music and culture in the Midwest. The city is famously the home of Prince–the central figure of a bustling scene commemorated in his song “Uptown”–and birthed colossuses of funk like Jam & Lewis, Morris Day, and many others. Planet AFROPUNK Live: Minneapolis hopes to celebrate the city’s bustling community of Black creators and activists, and to affirm and support a community that still ails from tragic loss. The people of Minneapolis rise up in the face of oppression, and AFROPUNK is dedicated to creating an experience of joy and celebration while acknowledging and creating dialogue around the struggles faced by the community at large.
In conjunction with the live experience, AFROPUNK announces a partnership with High School For Recording Arts, a local high school often called “Hip Hop High,” which was founded by former Prince band member David T.C. Ellis, specializing in developing the next generation of musical talent. Students from the school will have an opportunity to host panels and show off their talents during the first day at a special showcase.
In addition to the talented lineup of performing artists, Planet AFROPUNK Live: Minneapolis offers an exciting array of unique activations to entertain and enlighten attendees between sets. AFROPUNK hosts the Spinthrift Market, a shop market full of talented makers, selectors and curators from the Twin Cities region, and AFROPUNK’s Bites ‘n Beats, which provides event goers an opportunity to indulge in cuisines from renowned Midwestern chefs and local food trucks. Other activations include a live mural, early morning Yoga sessions, art galleries, and film screenings.
Planet AFROPUNK Live: Minneapolis continues a new era of AFROPUNK live experiences, allowing for all elements of a local culture to be expressed freely and fully. AFROPUNK announced earlier this year its plans to expand its live footprint, and the Minneapolis Live Experience follows in the wake of Planet AFROPUNK Live: Miami, bringing performances from musicians like Rema and Skillbeng alongside panels, activations, food, and more.
Tickets for Planet AFROPUNK Live: Minneapolis go on sale on Thursday April 21st.
Visit Planet AFROPUNK’s official website: https://planetafropunk.com/minneapolis
© 2022, Seth "Digital Crates" Barmash. All rights reserved.
