Though they weren't born in Kalamazoo, this place is Sasha Battle's (AKA. honeybear) home. Battle started out playing a cheap child’s guitar before leveling up to a real deal steel string acoustic guitar. Growing up shy, music was their best friend. With music, they could just be, and be whatever they wanted to be. Their folks listened to contemporary jazz, soul, gospel, country, folk - whatever felt good. It was when Sasha found folks like Meshell Ndegeocello, Jeff Buckley, and Erykah Badu that they finally felt able to see themself reflected in the world in a real emotionally musical kinda way. As a Black queer femme, most music spaces are dominated by folks not like Battle, by white cis males. Sasha Battle's goal is to take up space and center their work around telling their story of trauma, queer love, and healing by expressing their narrative with their fingertips. Closing out this year’s Art on the Mall, their performance is not to be missed!

For over 36 years, this outdoor artistic extravaganza has featured local and regional artists showcasing original paintings, jewelry, garden art, pottery, art demonstrations, and live entertainment! This free, two-day arts-filled adventure is part of downtown Kalamazoo’s official JumpStart celebration which partners with several popular outdoor events including Art on The Mall, the Do-Dah Parade, Kalamazoo Institute of Arts Fair, Kalamazoo Pride, and Concerts in the Park!

Art on the Mall is a program of the Arts Council of Greater Kalamazoo.

DATES/HOURS
Friday, June 2, 2023 12:00-8:00 pm
Saturday, June 3, 2023 9:00 am-5:00 pm

LOCATION
Art on the Mall is located on the downtown Kalamazoo Mall from Michigan Avenue to South Street, and South Street just past the Kalamazoo Public Library to Farmers Alley.

2023 ART ON THE MALL Live Performance Schedule

Friday

12:00-12:45 pm The Mickeys

1:15-2:00 pm Grace Theisen Trio

2:30-3:15 pm DJ Boogie

3:45-4:30 pm DC wsg Joaquin Fisher & Braulio Green

5:00-6:00 pm BlueBack

Saturday

1:00-2:00 pm Michigan Hiryu Daiko

2:30-3:30 pm The Dots

4:00-5:00 pm honeybear