Knowing the special history of the venue, Solange wanted to create a series that continued its legacy of spotlighting and uplifting Black artists—especially women—across categories. “I always say anything new that you think you have done, a Black woman probably did it before you a century ago,” says Solange. “That reflects in so much of the reason Saint Heron created this series. As a curator, I am constantly thinking of all these themes and nuances through connections we share as Black women artists, and how that carries through generationally. I’m also thinking about voices and stories who I feel deserve to be amplified.”

To do so, the Eldorado Ballroom included over seven nights of programming, and featured a variety of different artists include organist Dominique Johnson, DJ Crystal Mess, saxophonist Angela Christie, and pianist Artisan Cain—among many other impressive talents. “We started with ‘On Dissonance,’ which celebrated Black women composers in classical music,” says Solange. From there, other evenings included ‘Paper in My Shoe,” a night focused on Black women in folk and Zydeco; and ‘Monuments Are Here,’ a film night that explored Black films “that hone in on Black domesticity and our collection of sacred objects.” A personal favorite of Solange’s, meanwhile, was ‘Glory to Glory’—an evening that featured “women from all facets of expression who devote their work to god and spirituality.”

Wearing Ferragamo

Photo: Kobe Wagstaff

Wearing Ferragamo, with son Julez Smith

Photo: Kobe Wagstaff

Wearing Ferragamo, with son Julez Smith

Photo: Kobe Wagstaff

Naturally, as a musician herself, Solange also performed as part of the ongoing series. The star presented two of her own classical works, ‘Villanelle For Times’—her score for The New York City Ballet’s Playtime—and ‘Not Necessarily in Arms Reach,’ her orchestral piece for two tubas. “It was really beautiful to experience people’s connection to these works,” says Solange. “I’ve always been a composer, and have written music for brass and piano in my more contemporary and pop work—but the evolution into more classical orchestral works has been both some of the most proud, yet vulnerable work I’ve ever created. To not have the distraction of lyrics, or the voice, and dance. It’s taken me a while to stand firmly in that this is who I am right now, who I want to express, and be unapologetic about that.”

Equally as intentional as the programming, was Solange’s approach to fashion. Given she had several nights to dress up for as the host and lead visionary, she brought in a stellar team to dream up a thoughtful and striking wardrobe. She worked with stylist Danielle Goldberg and creative director Akeem Smith on her sleek, sculptural looks—by labels such as Ferragamo (a main supporter of the event), Calvin Klein, Mowalola, Gabriela Hearst, Loewe, and Comme des Garçons. “They are both artists in their own right in different ways, but both so valuable,” says Solange of her team. “It was really beautiful to work with them.”