Get ready to groove when the Boston Art & Music Soul Festival transforms Franklin Park’s Playstead Field into an immersive, all-day celebration of black arts and entertainment, with 21 artists lighting up two stages and filling
the summer air with the sounds of soul, R&B and funk. Eighteen of the lineup’s artists hail from the area—including STL GLD, Latrell James and Oompa—while South Africa’s percussion and brass music makers African Rhythm make their U.S. debut before the headlining set by Philadelphia outfit Kindred the Family Soul. Savor the sounds at this free festival on June 23 at Franklin Park.  / Nathan Tavares 

Photo: Jacob Thomas

Nashville singer/songwriter Katie Herzig brings her Moment of Bliss tour to City Winery.

Second-wave emo kings the Get Up Kids hit the stage at Paradise Rock Club.

It’s been five years since multihyphenate star Janelle Monáe released a full-length studio album. In the meantime, she’s been commanding the screen with roles in acclaimed movies Hidden Figures and Moonlight. But the half-decade wait for a new record ended earlier this year with the debut of Dirty Computer, which she says reflects the years-long struggles she encountered with her race, gender and pansexuality. Monáe got a little help on the album from her mentor Prince before he died, and the work paid off as the record peaked at No. 6 on the Billboard 200 in May. Get dirty when Monáe logs onto the Blue Hills Bank Pavilion stage on July 21. / Nicole Rodger 

Photo: JUCO