The 2023 Indiana Black Expo kicks off tonight with a star-studded free concert
After catching our breaths from the goings-on that made up the Indy 500, Indianapolis is preparing for its next celeb-studded event with the annual Indiana Black Expo Summer Celebration with performances, salutes and conferences.
Summer Celebration, in its 52nd year, is one of the major events produced by Indiana Black Expo, a nonprofit organization that promotes social and economic advancement of African Americans through year-round initiatives, including its Black Business Training Institute, Scholarship Fund, Performing Arts Academy and Community Learning Hub.
More: Indiana Black Expo builds upon community with 52nd Summer Celebration
Who is performing at Indiana Black Expo free concert?
The free Outdoor Concert on July 14 at the American Legion Mall, 700 N. Pennsylvania in downtown, will feature legendary R&B group The O’Jays, as well as Stephanie Mills, El DeBarge and Howard Hewett.
The concert is a last chance to see Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductees The O’Jays (“Backstabbers,” “Love Train,” “For The Love of Money”), as the group is on its farewell tour. Originating in Ohio, The O’Jays became emissaries of Philly soul with eight Top 20 albums between 1972 and 1979.
Grammy award-winning Mills, who originated the role of Dorothy in “The Wiz” on Broadway, is a favorite of the Expo crowd, having been tapped to perform at several expo-related events in the past five years. She headlined the 2017 Circle City Classic Cabaret concert at the Indiana Farmers Coliseum; was one of the performers at the 2018 free concert that was moved from open-air American Legion Mall to inside the convention center and was scheduled to perform at the 2021 free concert that was rained out at Lucas Oil Raceway in Brownsburg.
El DeBarge was lead singer of family band DeBarge ("I Like It", "Love Me in a Special Way") before going solo. The singer, who performed a couple of songs during the 2021 summer concert before it was halted due to rain, replaced Dru Hill in the 2023 lineup.
Howard Hewett joined with Jeffrey Daniel and Jody Watley to form the classic lineup of the group Shalamar (“The Second Time Around,” "This is for the Lover in You") that would deliver five gold albums between 1979 and 1983.
While the 6 p.m. concert is free to the public, VIP tickets are available at SummerCelebration.net or 317-925-2702.
All White Affair at Gainbridge Fieldhouse
The 2023 celebration of culture includes a July 15 All White Affair at Gainbridge Fieldhouse that will feature Juvenile and 112 and is hosted by DJ Kid Capri. Tickets – $50 for general admission and $150 for VIP – are required and are available through Ticketmaster.com or Gainbridge Fieldhouse. Admission prices will increase at the door.
2023 Black Expo Corporate Luncheon
On July 14, the organization will honor luminaries in media, sports and entertainment at its 2023 Corporate Luncheon taking place at the Indiana Convention Center.
Feted will be actor Richard Roundtree, who portrayed Det. John Shaft in the film series, receiving the Living Legend Award; Indy native and Indianapolis Pacer George Hill, getting the Excellence in Sports Award; Indianapolis Colts owner and CEO Jim Irsay with the Rev. Charles Williams Award; and ABC News Live Prime anchor Linsey Davis with the Excellence in Media Award.
Tables of 10 seats are available for $700. The proceeds from the Corporate Luncheon benefit IBE’s youth and family programs.
Business Conference
Summer Celebration week also includes the July 10-11 Business Conference, with workshops on city, federal, and state contracting opportunities; a lunch workshop, a Mayor’s Breakfast and a Governor’s Awards Reception to recognize community members.
Register at indianablackexpo.com/2023-business-conference.
A July 13 Education Conference at the Indiana Convention Center will provide professional development opportunities to educators and administrators. Keynote speakers include ABC News’ Davis and Glenn Singleton, author of “Courageous Conversations About Race; A Field Guide for Achieving Equity in Schools.”
Contact IndyStar reporter Cheryl V. Jackson at [email protected] or 317-444-6264. Follow her on Twitter: @cherylvjackson.
This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: Indiana Black Expo 2023 free concert kicks off weekend of events
