Soul of a People: A Juneteenth Celebration of Black Music
About This Event
The St. Louis Symphony Orchestra presents Soul of a People at the newly renovated $140M Powell Hall, honoring Juneteenth and Black Music Month with a full-orchestra tribute to Black artists who shaped American culture. Conductor Kevin McBeth leads the SLSO and the historic IN UNISON Chorus alongside vocalists LaKisha Jones (American Idol) and Ryan Shaw (America's Got Talent) through arrangements of Aretha Franklin, Stevie Wonder, Whitney Houston, Sam Cooke, Diana Ross, Bill Withers, Gloria Gaynor, Lionel Richie, and Kool & the Gang. The IN UNISON Chorus, founded in 1994, was created specifically to perform music of African and African American composers and remains one of the few symphony-affiliated Black choruses in the United States, anchoring the SLSO's decades-long commitment to community partnership and Juneteenth observance.
📅 When
June 19, 2026
📍 Where
Powell Hall, 718 N. Grand Blvd., St. Louis, MO 63103
St. Louis, MO
💵 Price
$25-$95
👤 Organizer
St. Louis Symphony Orchestra
Connect with Organizer
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Suggest a photo →What to expect at a Juneteenth concert
Juneteenth concerts span gospel, jazz, R&B, soul, hip-hop, and Afrobeats — sometimes all in one lineup. Outdoor stages are common, so bring layers and a low chair if seating isn’t provided. Doors typically open 30 to 60 minutes before the first set. Food and drink vendors are usually on-site; cash is still safer than card at smaller events. Many performers wait until the final hour for headline acts, so pace yourself.
About Juneteenth in St. Louis
St. Louis, MO marks Juneteenth alongside hundreds of other US cities, with celebrations rooted in local Black history and shaped by the people, churches, and community organizations that have sustained the day for generations. Whether you’re attending your first Juneteenth or your fortieth, the goal is the same: gather, remember, and celebrate freedom together. Our directory currently lists 11 additional Juneteenth events in St. Louis.
Other Juneteenth events in St. Louis
Frequently asked questions
- When is Soul of a People: A Juneteenth Celebration of Black Music?
- June 19, 2026. Confirm exact start times with the organizer (St. Louis Symphony Orchestra) before traveling.
- Where is Soul of a People: A Juneteenth Celebration of Black Music held?
- Powell Hall, 718 N. Grand Blvd., St. Louis, MO 63103, St. Louis, MO. Check the event website for parking and accessibility details.
- How much does this event cost?
- Listed price: $25-$95. Pricing for individual activities, vendors, and food may vary. Check the event website for current ticket details.
- What should I bring?
- Plan for outdoor weather. Bring sunscreen, water, comfortable shoes, a hat or umbrella, cash for vendors (some are cash-only), and a portable phone charger. If chairs aren’t provided, a foldable seat or blanket is useful.
- Is the event family-friendly?
- Most Juneteenth celebrations welcome all ages. Family-specific programming varies by event — many include kids’ zones, face painting, and family activities. Strollers are usually welcome at outdoor venues.