EXPLORE THE ART
Yungeen Ace (1988 - ), Hip Hop Singer/Poet, Tatiana K
New Public Art Exhibition Celebrating African American Musicians in LaVilla
- September 23, 2020
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The Downtown Jacksonville art scene gets a new public art exhibition celebrating African American musicians from Jacksonville. The exhibition is on plywood panels in the window openings at 905 West Forsyth Street, the old Lee & Cates building in the heart of LaVilla. The celebration of the musicians and painters was initiated by Paul Sifton of 927 Events. The Public Art Program of the Cultural Council of Greater Jacksonville and Art Republic curated the exhibition. VyStar Credit Union and Bee Friends Farm contributed the funds for the artist fees.
LaVilla birthed the music heritage of Jacksonville’s African Americans. The outdoor exhibition, Artists Pick Artists in LaVilla, celebrates that 120 years of musicians through portraits by contemporary Jacksonville artists.
Paten Locke (1979-2019), Hip Hop Singer/Poet by Grace Bio
Jackie Moore (1946-2019), R&B Composer/Singer by Annelies Dykgraaf
Von Barlow (1943 – 2020), Jazz Drummer by Jennifer Veal
MaVynee Betsch (1935-2005), Opera Singer by Kevin Arthur
Ray Charles* (1930-2004), R&B Composer/Singer by Marsha Hatcher
Sam Jones (1924-1981), Jazz Bassist by Rio David
Blind Blake (1896-1934), Ragtime & Blues Singer by Jarett Walker
J. Rosamond Johnson (1873-1954), Operetta Composer/Singer by Krishna Achath
* All of the musicians except Ray Charles were born and/or raised in Jacksonville. Ray Charles got his professional start at the Ritz Theatre and Museum.
