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Tony! Toni! Toné! are among the headliners for the first Black Arts Fest MKE

Tony! Toni! Tone! Black Arts Fest MKE

A few weeks ago, we announced that African-American culture is returning to the Milwaukee ethnic festival lineup in the form of Black Arts Fest MKE. Black Arts Fest MKE will celebrate and showcase African and African American culture through music, dance, educational activities, art and food.

Today, Black Arts Fest MKE announced the headliners for this year's fest which takes place on Aug. 4. Blues legend Bobby Rush, hip-hop legend, MC Lyte and R&B hitmakers Tony! Toni! Tone! will take the stage at the Miller Lite Oasis on the Summerfest Grounds.

Early tickets for the festival cost only $9.  You can find more information about the tickets below.

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Black Arts MKE Fest schedule

12:15 p.m. -  TBA
2 p.m.  - TBA
3 p.m.  - Opening Ceremonies featuring special musical guests
4:15 p.m. - TBA
6 p.m. - Bobby Rush
8 p.m. - Tony! Toni! Toné!
10 p.m. - MC Lyte

There will be four stages of entertainment during the day. The Miller Lite Oasis, Johnson Controls Sound Stage, Cultural Expression Stage and the Children’s Stage.

The Miller Lite Oasis and Johnson Controls Sound Stage will feature a range of entertainment reflective of different genres made popular by African American artists – R&B, Gospel, Blues, Motown and more.

The Cultural Expression stage, located east of the mid gate, is where you can nourish your soul with traditional dance, drumming, spoken word, hip-hop and other wonderful expressions of our heritage.

The Children’s Stage will feature a combination of performances showcases different styles of dance as well as workshops. Children will learn the history of each dance style, its relation to Black culture, and be invited on stage to learn some basic steps wrapped up with a performance.

Ticket information:

Youth (ages 8-11) and adults (12 and older) receive one FREE admission to Discovery World when they present one advanced sale ticket to Black Arts Fest MKE. With this offer Children under that 7 and under will need to purchase a ticket. Admission to Discovery World is only valid during August 2018. (Only Black Arts Fest MKE adult, youth and senior tickets purchased online through the festival website on or before August 3, 2018 are valid for this promotion. NO photocopies of tickets will be honored.)

At the Gate* (Saturday, August 4)


  • Adult (12 & over) $12
  • Seniors (60 & over) $8
  • Youth (8 – 11) $8
  • Children (7 & under) Free when accompanied by an adult
  • Military & Veterans In support of the United States’ service personnel, Black Arts Fest MKE is pleased to offer free admission to all branches of the Military and Veterans. Proof of service or an active Military ID is required. Active Military status includes all Armed Forces, National Guard Reserves, Department of Defense (DOD) Civilian and Military. Show proof of service and a valid photo ID at any ticket window to receive a complimentary ticket.

Director of Digital | Radio Milwaukee