Thu 2/26 @ 8PM

One of Cleveland’s most interesting and compelling bands, Mourning [A] BLKStar has just celebrated its 11^thanniversary together, embarking on its 12^th year. And what an amazing career it’s built. Founded by writer/musician/activist R.A. Washington the group, self-described as an “Afrofuturist collective,” has expanded its musical ambition and sonic range, drawing on soul, jazz, blues, electronic music and spoken word to create a nuanced view of Black life and history in America and across the African diaspora.

In the past year, it released a new album titled Flowers for the Living, toured the east coast, including at the Kennedy Center, and Europe, with concerts in Germany, the Netherlands, Poland and the Czech Republic. It was awarded the Cleveland Arts Prize for music in 2021. The group includes Washington on vocals, electronics and production, James Longs and LaToya Kent on vocals, Pete Saudek on guitar and keyboards, Jah Nada on bass/production, Theresa May on trumpet and Dante Foley on drums.

This week, they’ll be headlining at show at the Beachland Ballroom that benefits Cleveland Rocks: Past Present Future, the nonprofit that is working to expand professional development support for area musicians. PAL and Napsack are also on the bill. Get tickets here.

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