As California is in the midst of a second shutdown, local artists are joining forces to celebrate the holidays and spread resilience despite barriers the pandemic has placed on their livelihoods.

     African-American performing artists are realizing the norm of playing at restaurants, local concert venues, weddings, and other special events has changed dramatically, minimizing the usual weekly bookings. Such income opportunities are currently diminished, especially with California's most recent stay-at-home order-- artists have had to find unique ways to survive the fickle economy.

     Today the AAHCMSJV Museum, which is privately funded by community donors, is considered the Black culture and arts hub for all residents in the Central Valley; however, since the beginning of the pandemic in March, their doors have been closed due to state and/or county COVID-19 regulations, causing economic loss from its usual in-person, annual events.

Featured artists include Les Franklin & The Oaktown Blues Gang, Al Turner & Friends, Baby Bee & The Goodfellas Plus, Keysha & the Impromptu Band with special guest appearances from legendary jazz and blues musicians Bobby Logan and Bobby Brown. Featured poets include:, Tay Reem, Swirv Azubuike, and Kiani Shaw, will perform original spoken word with a holiday season twist.