News Summary
Grammy Award-winning bassist Ben Williams will headline the 2nd annual San Diego Black Arts and Culture Music Festival on June 29 at Martin Luther King Jr. Park. The free festival promises a variety of performances, including spoken-word and soul artists, curated by Grammy-winning producer Kamau Kenyatta. Attendees can expect an extraordinary musical experience celebrating diverse genres and the rich tapestry of black arts and culture.
San Diego – Grammy Award-winner Ben Williams is set to headline the 2nd annual San Diego Black Arts and Culture Music Festival on Sunday, June 29, at Martin Luther King Jr. Park, located at 6401 Skyline Drive in Encanto. Known for his versatility as a bassist and his talent in various music genres, Williams’ performance is anticipated to offer an extraordinary musical experience.
The festival, which is free and family-friendly, will feature a variety of performances from additional artists, including spoken-word artist Miki Vale, soul singer Cornell “C.C.” Carter, blues musician Lenny “Fuzzy” Rankin, and vocalist Daneen Wilburn. The event is curated by Kamau Kenyatta, a Grammy-winning producer and music professor at UC San Diego.
Ben Williams first gained prominence after securing first place at the renowned 2009 Thelonious Monk International Jazz Bass Competition. Since then, he has made a significant impact on the music scene, collaborating with iconic artists such as Herbie Hancock, Lauryn Hill, Pat Metheny, and Maxwell. His stylistic diversity spans across jazz, R&B, hip-hop, and neo-soul, making him a sought-after artist in the industry.
Currently based in Los Angeles, Williams hails from Washington, D.C. His most recent performance in San Diego was at the La Jolla Athenaeum last fall, where he showcased his musical prowess alongside vibraphonist Sasha Berliner. Williams is also preparing to debut a new band named WhoAllGonBeThere on July 8, 2025.
His recent works include an album titled “Between Church & State,” which explores themes of faith and politics. The album features Williams not only on bass but also as a vocalist, offering a compelling take on Marvin Gaye’s classic, “Inner City Blues.” Williams has recently concluded his “Dearly Beloved: The Music of Prince Re-Imagined” tour, further underscoring his diverse musical capabilities.
In addition to the festival headliners, the event will also feature jazz saxophonist Charles McPherson, who is nearing his 86th birthday and will perform two concerts over the weekend. He will collaborate with tenor saxophonist Javon Jackson, who is 25 years younger. This collaborative effort is part of a broader celebration of jazz and its rich history.
Victor Baker, a local guitar-maker renowned for his custom guitars, has announced plans to downsize his workshop to focus on creating fewer but higher-quality instruments. His recent album titled “As The Crow Flies” has contributed to his recognition within the music community.
Aside from the music festival, several events are taking place in San Diego, including the San Diego International Triathlon at Spanish Landing Park, which is one of the oldest in the nation. Local gatherings such as Parks After Dark, Movies at the Park, and a summer concert series featuring various local bands are also part of the city’s vibrant cultural scene.
Looking ahead, the San Diego County Fair will showcase performances from popular artists like 2 Chainz and Lil Jon. Additionally, Classic Albums Live will pay tribute to David Bowie’s iconic work, “Ziggy Stardust.” The San Diego Tijuana International Jazz Festival, scheduled for October, will emphasize the musical ties between San Diego and Tijuana, produced by San Diego Jazz Ventures.
As the San Diego Black Arts and Culture Music Festival approaches, attendees can look forward to a memorable day filled with exceptional performances that celebrate the rich tapestry of black arts and culture.
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Additional Resources
- NBC San Diego: Things to Do This Weekend
- Google Search: San Diego Smooth Jazz Festival
- San Diego Reader: San Diego Smooth Jazz Festival
- Wikipedia: Jazz Festival
- Daily Gazette: San Diego Tijuana International Jazz Festival
- Google News: San Diego music events
- San Diego Union Tribune: Concerts This Weekend
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Jazz
- MSN: San Diego Tijuana International Jazz Festival
- Google Scholar: San Diego Jazz Festival
