Welcome to The 2025 African American Music Festival at Penn State, an annual celebration of the rich cultural legacy of African American music directed by Dr. Anthony Leach.

This year’s festival, running from February 5 through February 8, 2025, will explore the theme “The Spiritual and The Blues” through a series of exciting performances, lectures, and forums. Join us for a variety of events featuring faculty, students, and renowned guest artists, including a special recital by the Cyrus Chestnut Jazz Trio and the D.K. Harrell Blues Band. Be sure to mark your calendar for unforgettable performances, including the Penn State Choirs under the direction of guest conductors Michele Fowlin and Omar Dickerson. We look forward to welcoming you to this musical journey that celebrates both the historical and contemporary expressions of African American artistry.