Chaka Khan performance canceled as storm hits first night of Artscape

Opening night performances at Artscape — including “Queen of Funk” Chaka Khan — were canceled because of detrimental weather conditions, the festival announced just after 9 p.m. Friday.

“Despite the immense amount of hard work and dedication that has gone into preparing for tonight’s headliners, the weather is always a wild card,” read an Artscape post on social media.

The performances will not be rescheduled because of time constraints, though festival organizers encouraged the public to show up for other performances and experiences Saturday and Sunday, when there is also a chance of stormy weather.

The 71-year-old, 10-time Grammy-winning Khan was set to headline the first night of the festival. Drummer and percussionist Sheila E. is scheduled to headline Saturday night.

Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott wrote on X at 9:35 p.m. that he’d just spoken with Khan and “she was adamant that she wants to come back to Baltimore to perform in the near future! We will work to make it happen.”

A flash flood warning was in effect Friday night until 12:45 a.m. Saturday.

Showers and thunderstorms are likely on Saturday after 2 p.m., with a 60% chance of precipitation.