KCRW Summer Nights with CAAM (August 1)
About the Event
Due to the high volume of interest, RSVPs for this event are closed. This event will be free and open to the public until we reach in-person capacity.
Dance it out at a free, all-ages KCRW Summer Nights party with the California African American Museum (CAAM). Hit the floor with KCRW DJ Novena Carmel and guest DJ Michael Donte of Black House Radio, then head inside for after-hours access to CAAM’s exhibitions, including A New Song: Langston Hughes in the West and The Sound of Gordon Parks. Fuel up with food trucks and a beer garden while you enjoy a night of music, culture, and community in Exposition Park.
Member Perks
$1 off drinks at the bar
Special pricing on limited-edition KCRW & Summer Nights merch
Schedule
- 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm
KCRW DJ Novena Carmel
- 9:00 pm - 11:00 pm
Guest DJ Michael Donte of Black House Radio
About CAAM
The California African American Museum (CAAM) in Exposition Park explores the art, history, and culture of African Americans, with an emphasis on California and the West. In addition to presenting a dynamic slate of exhibitions and public programs, CAAM houses a permanent collection of more than five thousand works of art, artifacts, and historical documents, and a research library. Admission is free.
About 'A New Song: Langston Hughes In The West'
March 24 – September 13, 2026
One of the world’s most famous Black poets, Langston Hughes (1902–1967) is often associated with the writers and artists of the Harlem Renaissance in New York. But starting in the 1930s, through the upheavals of the Great Depression, World War II, and McCarthyism in America, Hughes spent significant time in the West where he maintained deep connections and produced important work, including lectures, film scripts, plays, and his first book of short stories. Through recorded interviews, lyrical texts, archival photographs, and historic posters and prints, A New Song: Langston Hughes in the West reveals little-known aspects of Hughes’s work as a champion for justice and the special relationships he cultivated during his many sojourns in California, Nevada, and Mexico.
A New Song: Langston Hughes in the West is curated by Susan D. Anderson, History Curator, with curatorial assistance by Lauren O'Brien, independent curator, and Carmen Beals, Associate Curator and Outreach Director, Nevada Museum of Art.
Lineup
DJ Michael Donte of Black House Radio
Black House Radio is a homecoming for Black DJs and Black sound, paying homage to the past, present, and future of house music. Our platform is deeply rooted in the spirit of house music, bridging generations and acting as a guiding light for Black DJs and their sound. Much like a treasured family heirloom, we resonate with the soulful rhythms of the past while embracing the innovative sounds of the future, creating a warm and inviting space for all who share our passion for the essence and soul of house music. Michael Donte is the creator of Black House Radio.
KCRW DJ Novena Carmel
If you find yourself in a room with Novena Carmel, you’re in the right place. Now based in LA, Novena was born and raised in the San Francisco Bay Area surrounded by her mother’s record collection and rooted in musical legacy. Her father, Sly Stone, fortified her funk foundation and passed on a love for the brilliance of “everyday people.” Carmel's family connection to Brazil along with her Japanese bilingual and bicultural schooling, further expanded her world-view. Inspired by the guidance of one of her best friends and mentors, her grandfather, she moved to Los Angeles at 18, to attend UCLA. She has been a proud LA resident ever since with a deep appreciation for the city’s contributions to the global cultural landscape. When Novena launched her DJ career, it quickly took off, fueled by her global perspective, infectious energy and open-format music selections. In 2018 Novena Carmel was invited to join the DJ team at KCRW, and you can now catch her live at select events, and weekdays on-air as the host of KCRW's Morning Becomes Eclectic.
Special Thanks to Our Programming Partner
With Support from Our Sponsors
FAQs
- What can I expect at this event?
Bustling dance floor; late night gallery access; good vibes.
- How do I get to the venue?
Arrival information coming soon! RSVP to get arrival details sent to your email ahead of the event.
- Are pets allowed?
Service animals only inside CAAM; pets are not permitted.
- Will there be food and drink available?
Food and drink will be available for purchase from food trucks and in the beer garden.
- What items are allowed and prohibited at this event?
Check out CAAM’s visitor information.
Tickets for good, not greed Humanitix dedicates 100% of profits from booking fees to charity
