Tito's Vodka, Taswira, and DICE LAB cordially invite you to the first annual
Pre-Festival Reception
7pm-10pm | September 4th | at the Taswira Art Gallery
Step into the vibrant heart of Seattle’s art scene in historic Pioneer Square for an unforgettable evening at the Taswira Art Gallery, as we gather our most passionate supporters to champion the Black & Loud Ticket Scholarship Fund.
This First Annual Reception offers a rare acoustic performance by Cameron Lavi-Jones and cellist Chet Peterson of King Youngblood, the co-founding band of Black & Loud Fest. The King Youngblood string players join Cameron and Chet as an additional exquisite audio treat.
Surrounded by art, music, and community, you’ll be among the first to toast the 2025 Black and Loud festival season in Taswira’s intimate gallery setting. Founded in 2020 by Avery Barnes, Taswira began as a collective that shared story-driven, handcrafted works, inspired by initiatives at The Bamburi Women's Empowerment Center in Kenya. It has since flourished into Seattle’s only Black owned dedicated African art gallery. Avery once again is curating the Taswira pop-up gallery at Black & Loud Seattle in the main stage room, where such great artists as Living Colour, Cyril Neville, King Youngblood, Nikki D & the Sisters of Thunder, and of course, co-founder emeritus Anthony Briscoe with his band Down North will perform.
Your presence and your donations directly fuel our mission — ensuring that BIPOC and other underrepresented community members have access to Black & Loud Fest in Seattle and Portland regardless of their financial barriers. We encourage you to consider donating to the Black & Loud Ticket Scholarship fund with your RSVP, ensuring that people who can’t afford a ticket can join us in both Seattle and Portland this September 2025.
“Having Living Colour, one of the first Black alternative rock/punk rock/Afro-Punk bands, and the Uptown Ruler himself, Cyril Neville, who paved the way for bands like King Youngblood and Down North to develop and thrive, is a dream come true, says Lavi-Jones. But bringing such big acts to Black and Loud requires BIG donations!”
Evening Highlights:
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Live acoustic set by King Youngblood’s Cameron Lavi-Jones and Chet Peterson, supported by the King Youngblood String Trio
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Keywords by co-founder emeritus Anthony Briscoe
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Reception sponsor Tito’s handcrafted vodka cocktails & light bites
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a special feature exhibition of artists by Taswira Gallery
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First look at the vision for Black & Loud Fest 2025 and 2026 sneak peeks
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Networking with fellow patrons, sponsors, and community leaders
Don't miss this rare chance to connect before the show starts!
Follow the steps below and join us.
To complete your VIP registration:
1. We encourage you to donate $25 or more under your name through Black & Loud's fiscal sponsor, the Allied Arts Foundation. Your donations are tax-deductible.
2. Fill out the accompanying RSVP form below.
Your donation supports the Black & Loud Ticket Scholarship Fund — a tax-deductible initiative created in partnership with festival supporters, sponsors, and fans. The fund helps Black and all BIPOC individuals, independent artists, and emerging music industry professionals who may not have the means to attend, ensuring they can experience the cultural impact of Black & Loud’s Pacific Northwest return in 2025.
Be part of the movement. Celebrate the music, the message, and the moments.
Special Thanks to our Pre-Fest Reception Sponsor:
for their valued support.
