Wednesday, February 19, 2025

The legendary Johnny Gill, Lalah Hathaway, Morris Day & The Time, Atlantic Starr and Karyn White will headline Indiana Black Expo’s Outdoor Concert

The Concert Returns to the IU Michael A. Carroll Track & Soccer Stadium on June 28

INDIANAPOLIS, IN – Today, the Indiana Black Expo announced the highly anticipated 2024 artist lineup for its Music Heritage Festival outdoor concert on Friday, June 28 during IBE’s 54th annual Summer Celebration, June 20th – June 30th.

Gracing the stage is the incomparable R&B Crooner Johnny Gill, the soulful voice of five-time Grammy award-winning songstress Lalah Hathway, along with iconic funk and R&B legends Morris Day & The Time, Atlantic Starr, and Karyn White.

The outdoor concert will return to the IU Michael A. Carroll Track & Soccer Stadium located at 1001 W. New York Street in Indianapolis with more seating and a gated enclosure of the grounds for enhanced security measures. Guests will also enjoy more accessible parking. General admission tickets for this year’s outdoor concert are $10.00 with premium seating ranging from $50 to $100.

“We are excited to return to the IU Michael A. Carroll Track & Soccer Stadium to host this year’s outdoor festival. This venue will allow us to provide our attendees with better comfort, convenience, adequate parking spaces, and a gated enclosure at a lighted facility,” said IBE President Alice Watson. “Best of all, we are celebrating with a purpose as Summer Celebration ticket sales proceeds will help with our youth and family programs, and benefit IBE’s Scholarship Fund,” added Watson. To date, more than $5.1 million in scholarships have been provided to Indiana students. Tickets go on sale Wednesday, April 3rd and can be purchased online at https://www.ticketmaster.com/ and easily accessed at https://summercelebration.net/. Ticket purchasers will not have to pay Ticketmaster fees on their purchases so they can conveniently secure their tickets online.

About the Music Heritage Festival Lineup

Johnny Gill

Johnny Gill stands as a towering figure in the world of R&B and soul music, with a career spanning over four decades, known for his smooth vocals and heartfelt performances, Gill has left an indelible mark on the music industry with his soul-stirring ballads and energetic up-tempo tracks. Gill’s journey in music began at a young age when he joined the legendary group New Edition in the early 1980s. His powerful voice and charismatic stage presence led to a successful solo career that would solidify his status as a music icon. As a solo artist, Gill has released a string of hit albums, including the critically acclaimed “Johnny Gill’ and “Provocative,” which spawned chart-topping singles like “Rub You the Right Way” and “My, My, My.” Gill’s achievements in music have not gone unnoticed, with multiple Grammy nominations and awards to his name. He has also been honored with the prestigious Soul Train Lifetime Achievement Award, recognizing his immense contributions to the world of R&B and soul music. His passion for music and dedication to his craft continue to inspire fans old and new, ensuring that his music will resonate for generations to come, his legacy as a true R&B legend remains unrivaled.

Lalah Hathaway

A sought-after collaborator to some of today’s top hitmakers, undeniable music royalty, and vocal abilities matched by few, five-time Grammy award-winning Lalah Hathaway is an artist, singer/songwriter and producer not to be slept on. A purveyor of many genres whilst sharing Grammy-win records with the likes of Beyoncé (the only two to have ever won in the Best Traditional R&B Performance category three times), Lalah’s seven solo albums are complemented by an illustrious track record of collaborations with the likes of Pharrell Williams, Kendrick Lamar, Dr. Dre, Anderson. Paak, Robert Glasper, Rapsody, Snoop Dogg, Esperanza Spalding and more. Her talents have inspired invitations to the stage from music legends, Prince, Stevie Wonder, and Herbie Hancock to name a few, and her work even made the Oscars 2021 shortlist for Best Original Song. As daughter to the late, great Donny Hathaway and the product of an incredibly musical family, Chicago-born and raised Lalah Hathaway has the most soulful of music running through her veins. 2023 will see the release of much-anticipated new original work from Lalah as she continues to forge a lane all of her own.

Morris Day & The Time

Morris Day & The Time has long been celebrated as a pioneer of funk music. With his dynamic dancing and smooth yet gutsy vocals, Morris Day played an essential role in the development of the Twin City dance/club sound of the 1980s. A founding member of Prince’s band, the Time, in 1981, he remained with the group until 1984 when he launched his solo career. Returning for the first time in 1988, he performed and recorded with the Time from 1990 until 1991 and since 1995. Day’s involvement with Prince traces back to 1980 when his composition “Partyup,” originally recorded when he was a member of the Enterprise, was covered on Prince’s Dirty Mind album. Releasing his debut solo album, Color of Success, in 1985, Day reached his apex with his second solo album, Daydreaming, two years later. Produced by ex-Time members Terry Lewis and Jimmy Jam, the album included the chart-topping R&B tune “Fishnet.” Day released his third solo album, Guaranteed, in 1992. After Guaranteed, Day toured on-again, off-again without any new product. He finally returned to record store racks in 2004 with It’s About Time a mostly live album with a few new studio cuts, one including a guest appearance by rapper E-40. Day has appeared in such films as Prince’s autobio-pic, Purple Rain, in 1984, and New Attitude in

1990. His influence on the music industry is undeniable, and his contribution to the world of funk music will continue to inspire generations to come.

Atlantic Starr

Atlantic Starr, the legendary R&B group, has captivated audiences around the world with their soulful melodies and smooth harmonies for over four decades. With a string of chart-topping hits and a reputation for delivering unforgettable performances, Atlantic Starr has solidified their place as one of the most influential groups in R&B history. Throughout their career, Atlantic Starr has released a number of classic albums, including “Radiant,” “Brilliance,” and “All in the Name of Love,” which produces several chart-topping singles such as “Secret Lovers,” “Always,” and “Masterpiece.” These songs have become timeless classics, earning Atlantic Starr a prominent place in the hearts of music lovers everywhere. In addition to their commercial success, Atlantic Starr has also been recognized for their musical talents, receiving numerous awards and nominations over the years. The group’s contributions to R&B music have earned them a dedicated fan base and a reputation as one of the most influential groups of their era. As Atlantic Starr continues to delight audiences with their music and captivating performances, their legacy as R&B legends remain unparalleled. Their influence on the music industry is undeniable, and their music continues to inspire and uplift listeners around the world.

Karyn White

Karyn White stands as a remarkable figure in the music industry, a true original. Her legacy was cemented with the release of the 1988 smash hit ‘Superwoman’, a song that has since become an anthem for many. Known for her captivating performances, Karyn possesses a voice that is not only strong and vibrant but also deeply emotive, making her one of the most distinctive voices in popular music. She is often hailed as “The Queen of New Jack Swing.” With a career marked by accolades, Karyn is a two-time Grammy nominee and an award-winning, platinum-selling international music artist and R&B singer. Her achievements include prestigious awards from Billboard Music and NAACP Imagine, and she was honored with the 2022 Black Music Honors ‘Soul Music Icon’ Award. Beyond her status as a soul music icon, Karyn’s exceptional talent, creativity, and business acumen continue to shape her legacy. Karyn White is truly a Superwoman.

For more information about Summer Celebration, visit summercelebration.net

Indiana Black Expo is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) statewide organization with 12-chapter affiliates. The mission of IBE is to serve as an effective voice and vehicle for the social and economic advancement of African Americans. IBE is known for its two major events, Summer Celebration and Circle City Classic®, and provides year-round youth and family initiatives, including its Education Conference, Black Business Training Institute, Performing Arts Academy, Community Learning Hub, Education Day (college fair), Summer Internship Program, Scholarship Fund, Statewide Anti-Tobacco Initiative, Youth Leadership Summit, Talent Day Career Fair and Business Conference.

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