UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — The Penn State School of Music will host the 2025 African American Music Festival, celebrating the rich cultural heritage of African American music, Feb. 5-8, 2025.
The theme is “Spirituals and The Blues" and will showcase the depth and diversity of African American musical traditions, including spirituals, blues, jazz and contemporary works.The festival will be held at various locations on the Penn State campus and in downtown State College, featuring a variety of performances, recitals and special guest artists.
Festival Highlights
Wednesday, Feb. 5
Faculty, Student and Guest Artist Recital
7:30 p.m., Worship Hall, Pasquerilla Spiritual Center
A recital featuring performances by Penn State faculty, students and guest artists.
Thursday, Feb. 6
Bach's Lunch Concert – Student Vocalists
12:10 p.m. – Eisenhower Chapel, Pasquerilla Spiritual Center
Enjoy performances by student vocalists in this intimate lunchtime concert.
Music Composition Student Forum
Time TBA – Room 117, Music Building 1
A discussion forum showcasing original compositions by Penn State music students.
Instrumental Ensembles Recital
7:30 p.m. – Recital Hall, Music Building 1
A concert featuring performances by Penn State instrumental ensembles.
Friday, Feb. 7
Common Hour featuring Student Performances
2:30 p.m. – Recital Hall, Music Building 1
A concert highlighting the talent of Penn State’s student musicians.
Guest Artist Recital – The Cyrus Chestnut Jazz Trio and D. K. Harrell Blues Band
7:30 p.m. – The State Theatre, downtown State College (Ticketed; Tickets to go on sale at a later date)
A special evening concert featuring the renowned Cyrus Chestnut Jazz Trio and the D. K. Harrell Blues Band.
*Tickets to go on sale at a later date.
Saturday, Feb. 8
Penn State Choirs with Guest Conductors Michele Fowlin and Omar Dickerson
1 p.m. – Worship Hall, Pasquerilla Spiritual Center, University Park campus
The festival concludes with a powerful choral performance featuring Penn State choirs under the direction of guest conductors Michele Fowlin and Omar Dickerson.
About the festival
The 2025 African American Music Festival promises to be an inspiring celebration of music that reflects the soul and history of African American culture. All events are open to the public, with performances spanning classical, jazz and blues traditions.
For more information about the festival visit the festival website or the Penn State School of Music website.