Celebrate AMERI’KANA 2025 Unites Communities Through Music, Art, Culture

 On July 26, Kansas City’s Concourse Park transformed into a vibrant crossroads of culture, creativity, and community as the Celebrate AMERI’KANA Arts & Music Festival returned to the Historic Northeast. 

The free, day-long festival brought together internationally recognized musicians, emerging youth performers, local artisans, and hundreds of attendees to celebrate the Black and Brown musicians whose contributions have shaped—and continue to shape—the legacy of American music.  

Powered by the nonprofit Art as Mentorship, Celebrate AMERI’KANA continues to grow as both a cultural gathering, community celebration, and a launchpad for young artists.  

This year’s lineup featured performances by The Salvation Choir, La Lulu, and Making Movies, as well as hands-on opportunities for youth to perform, produce, and connect. 

As part of the day’s programming, AltCap hosted a community conversation on the creative economy, featuring Dr. Auburn Ellis, Director of Creative Engagement at Vine Street Studio, Leia Barrett, author of The Odd Dog, and Juan Carlos Chaurand, percussionist and member of Making Movies. Panelists shared insights on building creative careers, the role of mentorship, and the importance of cultural identity in artistic work. 

In addition to the artist panel, AltCap engaged festivalgoers with a community art project and an interactive trivia quiz highlighting our mission as a Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI). Participants co-created a collaborative art piece by answering trivia questions and then throwing darts at paint-filled balloons mounted on a white canvas. Each pop added a burst of color, transforming the blank surface into a vibrant display that reflected the festival’s spirit of community and creativity. 

View the photo gallery below to explore highlights from this year’s celebration.