American Folk Art Museum Presents a Benefit Concert With Lonnie Holley, Special Guests
Hosted by Harvey Fierstein, the evening features performances by Mourning [A] BLKstar, Marshall Allen of Sun Ra Arkestra, and Suzanne Vega.
The American Folk Art Museum’s benefit concert, headlined by renowned musician and visual artist Lonnie Holley, will take place on Thursday, May 18, at the New York Society for Ethical Culture. The evening begins at 7pm.
Hosted by award-winning actor, playwright, screenwriter, and folk art enthusiast Harvey Fierstein, the concert is a celebration of Holley’s artistry and comes on the heels of the release of his latest album (which features Bon Iver, Rokia Koné, and Michael Stipe). Special guests Mourning [A] BLKstar, a musical collective dedicated to Black culture, storytelling, and song, and Marshall Allen, the band leader of the Sun Ra Arkestra, will perform with Holley on May 18. The evening will also feature a performance from critically acclaimed singer-songwriter Suzanne Vega, with additional guests to be announced later this spring.
Lonnie Holley is collaborating with American fashion designer Emily Adams Bode Aujla, founder of the award-winning fashion brand Bode, on a custom outfit for the show. Bode Aujla is known for shaping her designs around historical techniques including quilting, mending, and appliqué.
Combined with other recent projects, this benefit concert deepens the connections between the American Folk Art Museum (AFAM) and Holley. His works are part of the museum’s collection, including two that are on view in our current exhibition, Material Witness: Folk and Self-Taught Artists at Work. He has also been featured in past exhibitions, like the critically acclaimed When the Curtain Never Comes Down, and he has played music in our galleries. All told, we’re thrilled that he’s lending his voice to support the museum!
Proceeds from the concert will support the mission of the American Folk Art Museum, including a commitment to offering free admission, programs, events, and workshops.
Tickets start at $83.85 and are available at eventbrite.com.
