TBAAL Celebrates 50 Years with 9th Annual Riverfront Jazz Festival
Dallas - For 50 years, Curtis King has poured his heart and soul into the arts, the culture and the overall development of The Black Academy of Arts and Letters (TBAAL). His handprint is evident throughout the City of Dallas and beyond.
Curtis King, Founder and President of The Black Academy of Arts and Letters (TBAAL) speaks to the audience during opening night of the 9th Annual Riverfront Jazz Festival. (Image: © 2026 Miss Ari Photography)
“I realize how much ground we’ve covered over years and I realize that all the sacrifice has been worth it,” King shares. “We have made so many strides in the community.”
As TBAAL approaches the highly-anticipated 50-year celebration, King, who is both founder and president cherishes another love project coming to fruition over the weekend. The 9th Annual Riverfront Jazz Festival took over the grounds of Dallas’ Fair Park Friday throughout Sunday. The jam packed three-day festival did not disappoint.
TBAAL’s beloved home near the Dallas Convention Center is currently undergoing a multimillion dollar renovation, so for the first time - the festival transitioned over to what King calls the “Southern Dallas Cultural District.” Attendees would spend the weekend in three convenient Fair Park buildings all within steps of one another and all featuring lively Riverfront Jazz stages.
Friday night opened with an encouraging performance from the legendary Gladys Knight. The 82-year old soul singer gave a steady performance of her hits for just over an hour, smiling over her sultry notes, and constantly thanking the audience for being in attendance..
The performance by Knight was special, as many believe her current tour is projected to be her final tour.
Legendary singer Gladys Knight performs at the Riverfront Jazz Festival. (© 2026 Miss Ari Photography)
Featured performances from Bilal, Brian McKnight, Jamal Roberts, Kim Waters, King George, RC and the Gritz, Rose Royce, Samara Joy and many more highlighted the weekend. Dozens of artists, bands and various musicians would grace three stages over the next two days: the Jazz Stage, the Blues and Soul Stage and the Promising Young Artists Stage.
All proceeds from the festival benefit the TBAAL Youth Arts and Education Programs, so it was very important for King to ensure young people were included in the festival.
“The presence of the young people here is just as powerful as anyone else,” King insists. “One day, they’ll look back over their careers when they are established artists and realize we made room for them to perform at the same festival as a Gladys Knight. Hopefully, that encourages them to pave the way for promising young artists in the next generation. They represent the now, the then and the to be.”
There was no absence of great vibes and a strong sense of community throughout the weekend. The great food and various vendors were in constant rotation. Friday night was enveloped in the sights and sounds of fireworks and a second line band. Both nights following included an afterparty complete with smooth music at a neighboring hotel. The likes of city officials such as City Manger Kimberly Tolbert and Councilman Maxie Johnson were on hand to lend both their presence and support to the cause and to enjoy the great entertainment as well.
With the festival’s growing popularity, next year is expected to draw an even larger crowd.
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