Recording Academy CEO Harvey Mason jr. has been appointed co-chair of the Music Advisory Board for the Harlem Festival of Culture (HFC). Launching the weekend of July 28-30, the inaugural HFC is a reimagining of 1969’s historic Harlem Cultural Festival, which inspired the Academy Award-winning concert documentary Summer of Soul (…Or When the Revolution Could Not Be Televised).
Mason will be working in tandem with fellow Music Advisory Board co-chair and Grammy Award-winning artist Wyclef Jean. HFC’s executive team also includes Jordan Brand chairman Larry Miller as strategic advisor and artist/business entrepreneur Michael L. Bivins as creative director.
In the HFC press release announcing his appointment, Mason commented, “I am incredibly honored to join as co-chair of the Music Advisory Board. Not just a music festival, I see this as a movement and an opportunity for the music community to get behind an event that authentically celebrates Black music and that builds on the rich legacy of Black innovation and artistic brilliance. I look forward to working alongside Wyclef and the entire HFC team to help develop something extraordinary and impactful.”
“We are thrilled to have Harvey on board as co-chair as he is an incredible asset and resource,” said HFC co-founder and technical & talent producer Yvonne McNair. “In addition to his role at the Recording Academy, he is an award-winning songwriter/producer and was literally rooted and grown in music. It’s at the core of his DNA. We couldn’t ask for a better thought partner for the festival and for such a respected figure in the entertainment industry who can also help us galvanize support for it. We are grateful to Harvey for committing his time to this labor of love and look forward to working with him as we move full speed ahead to the festival launch.”
Added Jean, “I’m really happy that Harvey is joining the board. With what we are trying to achieve with this festival, his perspective and expertise in this space are extremely valuable. His appointment really shows the genuine approach that HFC is taking to artist relations. I have never seen a festival seek to have this level of engagement with artists and to have them be such a big part of the journey. The main goal is to create a true partner relationship with artists that will help us to produce a more holistic festival experience for all.”
Mainstage events for the first annual Harlem Festival of Culture will take place on Randall’s Island in New York. Additional activations and events will be staged at the Apollo Theater and throughout Harlem. For more information, visit harlemfestivalofculture.com
