From jazz and hip-hop to soul, funk, and multicultural roots music, get set to honor the rhythm, soul, and legacy of Black musical innovation in New York State at vibrant festivals, concerts, and events during Black Music Month in June. Black music has shaped American culture for generations, and New York has been central to that story. The Apollo Theater launched legends like Ella Fitzgerald and James Brown, the historic Colored Musicians Club in Buffalo is one of the oldest Black-owned music venues in the country, and the South Bronx sparked a global movement grounded in storytelling, resistance, and expression with the emergence of hip-hop.

Here's a taste of some of the music events you’ll find across the state featuring top-tier, established, and up-and-coming Black artists, offering powerful performances, cultural connections, and unforgettable summer moments in June and beyond.

Seth David at Ophelia's (June 6 | Albany, NY – Capital Saratoga)

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by Ophelia's (@ophelias.albany)

Experience one of the bass scene’s rising stars in a cozy small city setting as dynamic DJ and viral sensation Seth David brings his genre-blending music to Ophelia’s in Albany for an intimate, high-energy night. Known for his electrifying stage presence and boundary-pushing sound, the artist has taken TikTok by storm with his fusion of pulsating basslines, house roots, and melodic hooks.

Queens-raised rapper Bas, known for his smooth flow and introspective lyricism, takes the stage at Sony Hall with special guests for a high-energy Black Music Month performance. A key member of J. Cole's Dreamville collective, Bas blends hip-hop with jazz, soul, and Afrobeats influences, making him a standout voice in modern rap.

Mountain Jam returns to Belleayre Mountain with a genre-blending lineup and a vibrant festival atmosphere. The 2025 lineup features dynamic artists like Michael Franti & Spearhead, known for their uplifting fusion of hip-hop, funk, and reggae. You’ll also enjoy scenic camping, food vendors, and performances across rock, soul, and roots genres.

Rochester International Jazz Festival (June 20–28 | Rochester, NY – Finger Lakes)

A man playing a guitar on stage in front of a large crowd

Credit: @100thingsinrochester on Instagram

One of the premier jazz festivals in the world, the Rochester International Jazz Festival offers nine days of live performances from iconic Black performers such as Smokey Robinson, Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra with Wynton Marsalis, Thundercat, and Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue. It’s a can’t-miss celebration of music, culture, and community in the heart of downtown Rochester.

Gary Clark Jr. at Artpark (June 24 | Lewiston, NY – Greater Niagara)

Ampitheater featuring a large crowd, nestled in lush scenery

Grammy Award-winning guitarist and vocalist Gary Clark Jr. brings his electrifying blend of blues, rock, and soul to the Artpark Amphitheater in Lewiston. The open-air venue overlooks the Niagara River Gorge, offering a stunning backdrop for an unforgettable summer night performance by one of the most prominent modern Black musicians redefining American roots music.

Breakout soul singer Baby Rose brings her distinctive, smoky vocals and emotionally raw performances to Sony Hall for a can't-miss Black Music Month concert. Known for her rich, retro sound and powerful storytelling, Baby Rose bridges classic R&B with modern soul and has collaborated with artists like J. Cole, Ari Lennox, and Robert Glasper.

Saratoga Jazz Festival (June 28–29 | Saratoga Springs, NY – Capital-Saratoga)

View of concert at the Freihofer’s Saratoga Jazz Festival

Hosted at the Saratoga Performing Arts Center, this is one of the most celebrated jazz festivals in the Northeast. The festival features top-tier Black performers such as Gary Clark Jr. and Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue, along with food vendors, a craft fair, and a mix of jazz, funk, blues, and indie music.

Great Blue Heron Festival (July 4–6 | Sherman, NY – Chautauqua-Allegheny)

An audience sits in camp chairs at a stage at the Photo courtesy of the Great Blue Heron Music Festival

Photo courtesy of the Great Blue Heron Music Festival

This multiday music festival features genres rooted in African and Caribbean traditions, including reggae, zydeco, Afrobeat, and roots music. The 2025 lineup includes The Rumble, a Grammy-nominated group blending traditional New Orleans music with a modern, contemporary sound with funk, jazz, and soul. Enjoy drum circles, dance tents, family-friendly programming, food trucks, artisan vendors, and scenic camping.

Pleasantville Music Festival (July 12 | Pleasantville, NY – Hudson Valley)

A regional favorite that celebrates national and local artists across multiple stages, the Pleasantville Music Festival spotlights R&B, soul, and indie acts connected to Black music traditions. This year’s performers include Robert Randolph, whose gospel-infused pedal steel guitar work brings electrifying energy to the stage, as well as soulful sets from Ellis Hooks, Alexis P. Suter, and the high-powered rock ’n’ soul of Nikki Hill. The festival also features beer and wine gardens, family activities, and a zero-waste initiative.

Great South Bay Music Festival (July 24–27 | Patchogue, NY – Long Island)

Long Island's longest-running music, art, and cultural festival returns to Shorefront Park with a vibrant mix of genres and talent. This summer’s standout performers include reggae icons Damian “Jr. Gong” Marley and Stephen Marley, soulful island vibes from J Boog, and the genre-blending sounds of Gym Class Heroes, fronted by rapper Travis McCoy. With over 60 acts performing across four stages, the festival also features jazz, soul, and funk, plus a Craft Village, family KIDZONE, gourmet food court, and wine and beer gardens.

Piano People is a global concert series spotlighting Amapiano—a genre born in South Africa's Black townships that blends deep house, jazz, kwaito, and local soul. This free SummerStage show brings some of the genre’s most influential artists to NYC, including powerhouse DJ and producer DBN Gogo, smooth vocalist and hitmaker Musa Keys, and trailblazing beat architect Felo Le Tee. Held at Rumsey Playfield in Central Park, this all-ages concert is a high-energy celebration of Black joy, rhythm, and global connection through music.

Rising rap star Ken Carson brings his explosive energy and genre-blurring sound to the Barclays Center for one of the most anticipated hip-hop concerts of the summer. Known for his electrifying performances and loyal fanbase, Carson delivers a high-octane show packed with crowd favorites and hits from his Chaos and X albums.

Renowned R&B and soul singer Syleena Johnson brings her powerful vocals to Sony Hall for an intimate performance. Known for hits like "All Falls Down" and "Guess What," Johnson's music delves into themes of love, empowerment, and resilience. This concert offers a soulful conclusion to the summer, celebrating the depth and diversity of Black music.

Rise Up NYC Concert Series (Summer 2025 | All Five Boroughs – New York City)

The Rise Up NYC Concert Series returns this summer with a vibrant lineup of free outdoor shows across all five boroughs. Celebrating community, culture, and the power of music, the series showcases iconic and emerging Black artists spanning hip-hop, R&B, gospel, reggae, and more. Past headliners have included Patti LaBelle, Fat Joe, MC Lyte, Mya, and Sean Paul, bringing unforgettable performances to NYC neighborhoods. The 2025 schedule is coming soon—stay tuned at riseupnycconcerts.com for updates and lineup announcements.

Ready to follow the rhythm across New York? Let this summer’s concerts and festivals guide your next getaway and discover more ways to dive deeper into New York's rich cultural legacy.

Don't forget to share your New York State adventures with us on TikTok, Instagram, and Twitter using #ILoveNY and #iSpyNY, and tag us on Facebook—we love seeing where the music takes you.