Next week this time I will be in the City of Brotherly Love in the midst of an empowering and groundbreaking event for women. That's right, folks, it's time for the second annual Black Lily Film & Music Festival, returning to Philadelphia from May 1-4 for four days of film and music focused on the contributions of women to both art forms. Last year's inaugural festival drew over 2000 attendees who enjoyed a full weekend of screenings, discussions and concert performances from talent such as Jill Scott, Ursula Rucker, Amanda Diva and Amy Winehouse.
This year's festival boasts more screenings, workshops and panels and even includes a track for girls to expose them to DJing, music production, digital film editing and costume design. Black Lily will also honor eight women for their contributions to music and film during the festival. Honorees are femcee Bahamadia, Sweet Honey in the Rock founding member Bernice Johnson Reagon, classical music conductor Jeri Lynne Johnson, Hip-Hop Association president Martha Diaz, singer Meshell Ndegeocello and filmmakers Pearl Bowser, Stephanie Black and Tia Lessin. Artists scheduled to perform next week include Jaguar Wright, Lizz Wright, Ladybug Mecca, Imani Uzuri, Maya Azucena and a who's who of female DJs and underground soul and hip-hop acts. Tickets are still available for what is sure to be another history-making event. Be there or be mad that you missed it. See ya there!
Black Lily Film & Music Festival [Official] [MySpace]
