SCAD's "BAM!" Concert Series Celebrates Black Voices in Music

The annual event honors the past, present, and future of Black music and artists.

Feb. 23, 2026 at 4:34pm

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Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD) is hosting its fifth season of the "BAM! A Celebration of Black Artists in Music" concert series, which this year has the theme of "Black Love." The show features a mix of SCAD student performers and acclaimed Black artists like Grammy-nominated Avery Wilson, Tony Award nominee Amber Iman, and SCAD alumna and "American Idol" winner Candice Glover.

Why it matters

The "BAM!" concert series provides a platform to celebrate and uplift Black voices in music, honoring the rich history and continued importance of Black artists and their contributions to the industry. As a university production, it also offers SCAD students valuable performance experience working alongside established professionals.

The details

The "BAM!" concert series is an acclaimed annual event at SCAD that showcases Black musical talent, both from the student body and established artists. This year's theme of "Black Love" explores the multifaceted nature of love in the Black community. The student performers are rehearsing extensively to bring their best to the stage, with guidance from the professional guest artists joining them.

  • The fifth season of "BAM!" is taking place in 2026.
  • The next performance is scheduled for Monday night, February 24, 2026.

The players

Mike Evariste

The artistic director of Executive Ensembles at SCAD, overseeing the production of the "BAM!" concert series.

Kailey Marsh

A SCAD junior who is performing the Nina Simone song "Don't Let Me Be Misunderstood" in the concert.

Avery Wilson

A Grammy-nominated and Broadway star who is joining the student performers on stage.

Amber Iman

A Tony Award nominee who is also performing in the "BAM!" concert.

Candice Glover

A SCAD alumna and winner of "American Idol" who is participating in the event.

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What they’re saying

“It's definitely not your typical normal college production. These are professionals.”

— Mike Evariste, Artistic Director of Executive Ensembles at SCAD (cbsnews.com)

“So it's a celebration of all the levels and layers and love and how complex it is and how it can be joyous and also sad and heartbroken.”

— Mike Evariste, Artistic Director of Executive Ensembles at SCAD (cbsnews.com)

“I am singing 'Don't Let Me Be Misunderstood' by Nina Simone. Such an incredible song. Something that I feel like I resonate with a lot.”

— Kailey Marsh, SCAD Junior (cbsnews.com)

“It's just so amazing to be able to work with them and see their expertise and to kind of be mentored by them.”

— Kailey Marsh, SCAD Junior (cbsnews.com)

What’s next

The next performance of the "BAM!" concert series is scheduled for Monday night, February 24, 2026, and the show is already sold out.

The takeaway

The "BAM!" concert series at SCAD provides a valuable platform to celebrate the rich history and continued importance of Black voices in music. By bringing together student performers and acclaimed professional artists, the event offers a unique educational and artistic experience that honors the past, present, and future of Black music.