THE American Folk Art Museum Benefit Concert, headlined by acclaimed musician and visual artist Lonnie Holley, will take place Thursday, May 18 at the New York Society for Ethical Culture. The evening begins at 7 p.m.
Hosted by award-winning actor, playwright, screenwriter and folk art enthusiast Harvey Fierstein, the concert is a celebration of Holley’s artistry and follows the release of his latest album (with 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 leader of the group Sun Ra Arkestra, will perform with Holley on May 18. The evening will also include a performance by critically acclaimed singer-songwriter Suzanne Vega, with additional guests to be announced later this spring.
Lonnie Holley collaborates with American fashion designer Emily Adams Bode Aujla, founder of award-winning fashion label Bode, on a custom outfit for the show. Bode Aujla is known for shaping her designs around historic techniques such as quilting, mending and appliqué.
Combined with other recent projects, this benefit concert deepens the connection between the American Folk Art Museum (AFAM) and Holley. His works are part of the museum’s collection, two of which are featured in our current exhibition, Material testimony: Folk and self-taught artists at work. It has also been featured in past exhibitions, such as the critically acclaimed When the curtain never falls, and he played music in our galleries. All in all, we’re thrilled he’s lending his voice to support the museum!
Proceeds from the concert will support the mission of the American Folk Art Museumincluding a commitment to provide free admission, programs, events and workshops.
Tickets start at $83.85 and are available at eventbrite.com.
