By Clifford L. Williams
San Francisco’s Museum of the African Diaspora’s (MoAD) Afropolitan Ball, billed as a high energy celebration of Bay Area Black talent, will be headlined this year by Bay Area triple Grammy Award-winning artist, Fantastic Negrito. It will take place on Saturday, Oct. 15 from 8:30 p.m. to 11:30 p.m. at 685 Mission Street in S.F.
After a two-year hiatus, this year’s fundraising gala returns with electrifying performances featuring the uptempo grooves of local supergroup Bayonics, who will be performing their unique blend of Latin music, reggae, and R&B. In addition to DJ sets from Oakland’s DJ Lady Ryan, who has played with artists such as George Clinton, Journey, Erykah Badu, and is resident DJ for the Golden State Warriors.
Guests will also enjoy a wide variety of tastes from the African Diaspora and a hosted bar sponsored by Hella Coastal Brewery and Uncle Ernest, as well as other surprises.
Negrito’s new album, White Jesus Black Problems, is an exhilarating ode to the power of family and the enduring residence of our shared humanity, according to MoAD’s spokesperson Nina Sazevich.
A Premier reception will take place from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. for members of the museum’s Curator Level and above. Featuring jazz, afro-funk, and soul rhythms by Ethio Jazz, and a chance to mingle with MoAD’s Executive Director Monetta White and fellow MoAD supporters and friends.
White noted that “this year’s ball is a celebration of all that MoAD has accomplished over the past 17 years and those who’ve helped MoAD succeed — its staff, board, members, donors, community supporters, and the artists who make MoAD tick … We are so excited to bring our community back together for what will surely be the best party in the Bay Area.”
The annual Afropolitan Ball benefits MoAD’s exhibitions, emerging artists, public programs featuring renowned artists and authors, and award-winning arts education programs serving over 6,000 youth.
Tickets for the general public to the main event are $325 each, which includes a one-year membership to the Museum. Current members can purchase tickets at a discount.
Recognizing COVID-19 protocol, MoAD is committed to maintaining the health and safety of all guests at the event. Proof of vaccination is required for all attendees.
MoAD is a contemporary art museum whose mission is to celebrate Black culture, ignite challenging conversations, and inspire learning through the global lens of the African Diaspora. MoAD is one of only a few museums in the United States dedicated to the celebration and interpretation of art, artists, and cultures from the African Diaspora.
The Museum presents exhibitions highlighting contemporary art and artists of African descent and engages its audience through education and public programs that interpret and enhance the understanding of Black art. Founded in 2005, the Museum continues to be a unique, cultural arts staple in the San Francisco Bay Area community.
For more information about the Afropolitan Ball, visit www.moadsf.org/event/afropolitan-ball-2022. For information about MoAD, visit the museum’s website at moadsf.org or call 415.358.7200.
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