BAM Unveils Spring Music Series Curated by Hanif Abdurraqib

Conceived by acclaimed author, poet, and cultural critic Hanif Abdurraqib, BAM's (Brooklyn Academy of Music) 2022 spring music series features an ebullient lineup of artists including:

Feb 25: Mdou Moctar with Bartees Strange

Mar 11: Juice 30th anniversary screening with Ernest Dickerson & Keith Shocklee

Mar 23: Dawn Richard's Electro Revival

Mar 30: Moses Sumney's Blackalachia in Brooklyn with L'Rain

Apr 2: Devonté Hynes: Selected Classical Works

May 19-21: Omar Offendum (a world premiere hip-hop musical, Little Syria)

May 20: Mavis Staples with Amy Helm

May 22: Little Simz with Javon Jackson featuring Special Guest Nikki Giovanni

The program draws from Abdurraqib's rich background in prose, music, culture and Black performance and aims to highlight performance that is visually dynamic, spans genres and generations, and makes use of the natural world. This series is presented in association with Adam Shore.

Tickets go on sale for BAM Members and Patrons on Jan 25, and to the general public on Jan 26 at BAM.org.

"As we remain entrenched in the uncertain times of the pandemic, I have missed the potential for live music and the communal excitement it can bring" said Abdurraqib, BAM's Guest Curator at Large. "Because of the current circumstances of the world, I've expanded my imagining of what a live music concert can be, and have approached curation with a sense of both care and urgency, in equal measure. I'm excited to give these artists the space and resources to create the show of their wildest and truest dreams. I hope this series offers audiences a way to communally experience these artists like never before: an escape rooted in visual and narrative elements that allows people to unlock new realities, times and places."

"As BAM expands its curatorial team, we're thrilled to be working with poet, essayist, and cultural critic Hanif Abdurraqib as a Curator at Large," said BAM's Artistic Director, David Binder. "In his podcasts, books and essays, Hanif is always in conversation with music's most interesting artists. We're excited to see the fruits of those conversations hit our stages this spring."

**All performances will adhere to protocols developed in accordance with New York State regulations and in consultation with medical professionals for the safety of our artists, audiences, and staff. Proof of full vaccination and masking required. **