Featuring Grammy Nominated Mad Violinist, Ayoka African Drum, & More
PENSACOLA, Fla. (June 2, 2022) — On Friday, June 17, from 5pm-9pm, Gallery Night Pensacola’s theme will be “Juneteenth Kickoff!” As part of the “Journey to Juneteenth” celebration statewide, Gallery Night’s June event will highlight the federal holiday with special performances, art, and food.
Don’t miss six-time Grammy nominee Ashanti Floyd, aka The Mad Violinist, perform. Floyd is one of the top producers, violinists, string arrangers, and performers in the world. He has platinum hits such as Lupe Fiasco’s “The Show Goes On,” Nicki Minaj’s “I’m the Best,” and Lil Wayne feat. Drake’s “Right Above It,” among many others. His most current mainstream success is with Will I Am on Nicki Minaj’s album “The Pink Print,” as Nicki personally flew him to be one of her favorite musicians.
As an artist, Ashanti’s first professional experience was performing live with B.B. King at age 19. Years later, he went on to tour with Lupe Fiasco, Cyhi Da Prynce, Yelawolf, and many more. Floyd has performed on the BET Awards, Ellen Degeneres, MTV Video Music Awards, The Monique Show, and BET’s 106 and Park. Floyd’s mastery and blending of genres draws a diverse audience inspired by Pop, Hip Hop, R&B, Jazz, and Alternative Music.
Other performances include a fashion show showcasing local fashion designers and artisans and cultural performances from Ayoka African Drum and Dance.
Gallery Night’s featured visual artist is Leo Green. Green’s artwork ranges from many different mediums and styles, from drawing to painting to sculptures and castings. Green graduated from the University of Southern Mississippi with a bachelor’s and master’s degrees in art education. Green is currently working on artwork that reflects and encourages social interaction and thought.
Leo Green’s work explores the 1990s hip hop movement. Snoop Dogg, Aaliyah, Master P, and TLC were some of the singers he listened to as a kid and gave him an insight into a modern narrative of urban myth and fantasy. They showed him how to dress and act as a youth. Baggy jeans, logo t-shirts, cornrows, and a gold chain were the look of his era.
Each Gallery Night event features more than 40 local artists displaying their one-of-a-kind creations in open-air tents lining the streets. Enjoy a mini art zone in front of Artel Gallery with Artel member artists, and a Palafox mini-market on Government Street. Gallery Night Art Zones are sponsored by T-Mobile.
Participating downtown bars and restaurants are open and serving guests. Local shops and galleries will be open late and provide event patrons a chance to shop for unique gifts and wares.
Each Gallery Night Pensacola event’s special themes set the tone for the performers, art, musical performance stages, and activities that are sure to please. Gallery Night is an all-ages community arts and culture event that happens on the third Friday of each month from 5-9 p.m.
Gallery Night is presented by our wonderful community partner, Publix.
The Pensacola Gallery Night Board encourages mask usage for those who are not vaccinated for COVID-19 or are at high health risk.
More information and updates on artists, performers, special events, sponsors, and more can be found on the Gallery Night social media pages as well as our website (gallerynightpensacola.org) where you can find an interactive event map, artist list, performance schedule, and more.
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About Gallery Night Pensacola:
The mission of Gallery Night Pensacola is to be an engaging cultural community event that takes “Art to the Streets” where visitors can connect with the unique culture of Pensacola.
Through this 501(c3) non-profit organization, individual artists will have the opportunity to showcase their talent, area arts organizations will host public performances and demonstrations; downtown businesses will enhance the downtown experience; and other community non-profits will add to the Gallery Night experience.