BLACKTRONIKA: Philadelphia Now and Then

Philadelphia native King Britt—renowned producer, curator, and professor—has played a key role in elevating his city’s presence in global electronic music. At UC San Diego, he created Blacktronika: Afrofuturism in Electronic Music, a groundbreaking course that highlights the contributions of artists of color to electronic music. Featuring guests like Herbie Hancock and Flying Lotus, the course has evolved into an international festival with events in Los Angeles, Brooklyn, Knoxville, Paris, and beyond. In tribute to his hometown, Britt will curate BLACKTRONIKA: Philadelphia Now and Then, a weeklong celebration of the city’s impact on global dance music. The program will include seven nights of performances, workshops, and discussions, spotlighting Philadelphia’s vibrant communities of color and their influence on genres such as Disco, Acid Jazz, Neo-Soul, House, Hip Hop, and Experimental music. It honors both native artists and those who found creative inspiration in the city, acknowledging their enduring global impact. Join us as BLACKTRONIKA celebrates Philadelphia’s foundational role in shaping electronic and dance music history—while amplifying its continuing resonance in the sound of the future.