This year’s concert, VocalEssence WITNESS: Leading with Love, features beloved vocal activist, soulful singer, and composer Melanie DeMore, who uses her music as what she calls “a weapon of mass connection” and challenges us all to “put one foot in front of the other and lead with love.”

This year—in Orchestra Hall’s Target Atrium—we are excited to feature a showcase of Black makers and entrepreneurs who wish to align themselves with the message of “leading with love.” Click the button below to learn more about the participating businesses and artists.

Black-Owned Business and Artist Showcase Participants

EVENT timeline

3-4 PM: Showcase is open with special performances by 29:11 International Exchange and Junauda Petrus.

4 PM: VocalEssence WITNESS: Leading with Love Concert

INTERMISSION: Showcase is open with special performance by Blackout Improv

AROUND 6 PM: Showcase is open with special performances by 29:11 International Exchange and Chadwick Phillips, The Avant Garde