“I always thought that crossing that river and coming into a freer land and freer existence brought out a lot of freedom, power, music and sound that had never been done before,” says James “Diamond” Williams of the Ohio Players, the platinum-selling funk pioneers. “That’s why you have so many incredible artists that are from Ohio in particular.”

This summer, RANGE took a trip to the Midwest to soak up Cincinnati’s culture, history, food, and music — all culminating in one of the world’s longest-running celebrations of Black excellence: the Cincinnati Music Festival.

A Legacy Worth Walking Through

Ahead of the two-night festival, the city was already buzzing. This year’s lineup boasted legends like Earth, Wind & Fire, LL Cool J, and Toni Braxton, alongside rising stars Jazmine Sullivan and Lucky Daye. While Janet Jackson’s cancellation was a blow, the spirit of celebration was undimmed.

Before the music kicked off, I joined Hamilton County Commissioner Alicia Reece — a dynamo of energy and passion — for a press conference introducing the Cincinnati Black Music Walk of Fame. Built on the same banks of the Ohio River where formerly enslaved people once settled, the park bridges past and present through interactive displays celebrating Ohio’s Black musical trailblazers.

“It was so important to have this outdoor interactive park that bridges history on hallowed ground — and at the same time connects to the next generation through technology,” says Reece.

Past inductees include Bootsy Collins, The Isley Brothers, James Brown, Shirley Murdock, and Penny Ford. This year’s honourees — gospel powerhouse Dottie Peoples, funk icons The Ohio Players, soul legends The O’Jays, and GRAMMY-winning jazz phenom Nancy Wilson — cemented the city’s place in global Black music history.

After dancing with Bootsy Collins’ avatar and chatting with locals at the park, I understood why Reece says, “We are now taking our rightful place in the music world.”

Freedom, Faith, and Funk

My next stop was the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center, an emotional journey through one of the most significant Underground Railroad hubs in the U.S. The museum’s exhibits capture both the horror and the hope of that history, reminding visitors how songs and spirituals became coded messages of resistance and liberation. That same spirit runs through today’s Cincinnati — a city once unsung, now singing loudly again.

Night 1: Funk, Fire, and Feelings

At Paycor Stadium, the opening night of the festival was a full-spectrum celebration of sound. The Zapp Band warmed up the crowd with “Computer Love” and “California Love,” followed by PJ Morton’s soulful “How Deep Is Your Love.”

Then came Jazmine Sullivan, whose voice shook the rafters and hearts alike — her performance of “Girl Like Me” nearly brought me to tears. But Earth, Wind & Fire’s closing set — introduced by a surprise appearance from Ice Cube — was pure transcendence. From “Devotion” to “September,” they proved once again why their groove is timeless.

Earth, Wind & Fire performing at the 2025 Cincinnati Music Festival.

Day 2: All White, All Love

The following day’s Cincinnati Black Music Walk of Fame induction ceremony was one of the most heartfelt award shows I’ve attended. Hosted by Jawn Murray, it featured soul-stirring performances by Regina Belle and Dottie Peoples and felt more like a family reunion than a formal event.

Later, I brunched at Sugar n Spice (1203 Sycamore St.), explored the mural-covered streets of the Over-the-Rhine district, browsed vinyl at Alien Records (1207 Vine St.), and cooled off at Findlay Market before the final night’s festivities.

The evening delivered pure 90s nostalgia: 112 had the crowd two-stepping, Lucky Daye infused the stage with funk energy, and Toni Braxton’s “Un-Break My Heart” had the audience swaying in collective catharsis. LL Cool J’s headline set roared everyone back to life — until a storm warning abruptly paused the show. Even Mother Nature couldn’t dim the electricity in the air.

LL Cool J performing at the 2025 Cincinnati Music Festival.

Heart of the Midwest

Skyline Chili in Cincinnati just hits different | skylinechili.com

From the aunty at the airport who called me “baby” to the strangers debating the best way to eat chilli (trust me when I say don’t sleep on Skyline Chili!), Cincinnati’s warmth is infectious. This city wears its pride loudly — not just in its music, but in its people and history.

In an era when borders and divisions dominate the headlines, Cincinnati offers something different: a reminder that freedom, rhythm, and community are all intertwined. After seeing what I saw and feeling what I felt during my short time on the ground, I can confidently say that I’ll be coming back and it won’t be too soon.

The next Cincinnati Music Festival will take place July 23 to 25, 2026 | TICKETS & INFO