Indiana Black Expo concert draws hundreds

INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) — The annual Indiana Black Expo free summer concert Friday welcomed hundreds to the American Legion Mall in downtown Indianapolis.

The show features acts that’ll get music fans off their feet and grooving during a family reunion feel, and, while the area was packed Friday, some people started claiming spots a day earlier. It’s one thing George Logan III learned over a decadeslong tradition of going to the free outdoor concert.

“I’ve been down here since 3 o’clock yesterday. I came straight from work with my stuff in the car. Came down here, set it up, and then we just take turns coming.”

This year he made room for roughly 40 people coming from as far away as Texas and near as Ohio to join him out on a tarp for a night of food, fun and music. “And I know it’s a time we have a good time, like you said, it’s a family atmosphere, and not only them but everybody that’s around us, we all become family.”

Adrian Cushenberry’s friends call him Cush. He had the food, drink and what he called libations ready to go. He claimed his spot in the shade and had VIP access, but planned to move around a bit once the party really got started. “You can’t cut up a little bit. You can’t do everything you want to do, so you can cut up out here.”

The concert, he says, has always been great. This year’s line up included Howard Hewett, El Debarhe and his favorites. “The O’Jays is going to get down. I’m definitely getting ready for them and Stephanie Mills,” Cushingberry said.

For 52 years, the Indiana Black Expo has offered a series of events, and the concert is one that all ages can enjoy. It’s an experience that Logan says will keep him coming back again and again. “Just come out and experience it, and see if you like it or not, but I guarantee if you get out here, you’ll enjoy and you made a lot of good people.”