After a successful freshman year, the 18th and Vine Arts and Culture is back with expectations of being bigger and even better., Fri., Sept. 27 to 30.
This year more than 90 (up front 50 last year) Black artists will be featured, along with music, dancing, food trucks, and a fashion show.
When Festival Director and Founder Quez Beasley announced the festival last year, he committed to having a new festival theme each year, as a way to keep it fresh. Last year’s theme was Afro-futurism, this year, the festival gives nod to the funky 70s.
Quez, who is a performer, promoter and artist himself, noticed that many other neighborhoods in KC had arts festivals but not 18th & Vine. So he met with City 3rd District Council member Melissa Robison and got the ball rolling on organizing an arts festival.
A Weekend Filled with Art and Themed Entertainment
All three days will highlight some of the best Black area artists, displaying their works. Each day will also have food trucks, live DJs & musicians, and specials from 18th & Vine businesses.
Friday’s focus will be on fashion, with festival hours from 5 to 10 p.m. Inspired by the bold and vibrant styles of the 70s, the fashion show — curated by Next Paige Agency — will feature an incredible lineup of local designers, each bringing their unique flair to the runway.
Saturday is dedicated to music lovers, with a full day of musical performances from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Prepare to be blown away by a full day of performances from some of Kansas City’s most talented artists, each paying tribute to iconic Black musicians of the 70s. The day will be filled with soulful tunes that capture the essence of the golden age of music.
1 – 1:40 p.m. JaySol Music (Janay Wilson), tribute to female groups
1:50 – 230 p.m. Alexander, tribute to Stevie Wonder
2:40 – 3:20 p.m. Lady D, tribute to Gladys Knight
3:30 — 4:10 p.m. Andrea Tribitt, tribute to Patti LaBelle
4:20 – 5 p.m. Delynia Jannell, tribute to Tina Turner
5:10 — 5:50 p.m. Kim Keys, tribute to Aretha Franklin
6 – 6:40 p.m. Jass – 6:40 PM – Jass, tribute to Donna Summers
6:50 — 7:30 p.m. — Marlin Cortez, tribute to Marvin Gaye
7:40 — 8:20 p.m. — Willis Blount, tribute to James Brown
8:30 — 9:10 p.m. — Carlton Rashad, tribute to Al Green
9:20 – 10 p.m. – Sosha Oshaye, tribute to Chaka Khan
Sunday’s hours are 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. with a hair show beginning at 3 p.m. This day will celebrate the beauty of Black hair, fashion, and the next generation of talent.
Tickets to the festival are $10 per day or $25 for a weekend pass. Tickets can be purchased online at 18thandvineartsfest.org.
