Rondo Community Music Series

Overview

Once to twice a month from September to May in the Rondo area.

In 1956, more than 600 African-American families, including businesses and institutions living in the Rondo neighborhood of Saint Paul, lost their homes to the construction of the new I-94 highway cutting across the United States. Rondo's disaggregation was part of a national movement that upended thousands of Black, immigrant, and poor communities to make room for more seamless coast-to-coast automobile transportation. Home to such artists as Gordon Parks, August Wilson, Roberta Davies, and Bobby Lyles, the Rondo neighborhood produced and inspired artists and musicians who would go on to national fame. The Rondo Community Music Series, presented by Walker|West Music Academy, showcases a current generation of artists who continue to be inspired by Rondo's history, cultural expression, and resilience. The Rondo Community Music Series presents a variety of musicians and artists from September through May every year. Join us for all of the hour-long concerts and be inspired by the power of music to convey and shape communities. In addition to the concerts, online and in-person panel discussions with musicians and artists are scheduled to provide context for the music being performed and further understand the role of musicians, jazz, spoken word, educators, and women artists in producing music in the Twin Cities.

Panel discussions occur a few days before the concerts and do require registration. Join us for all five conversations. All events are free, but you must register!