The Melanin in May festival is back for its third year, bringing live music, vendors and food trucks on May 25 to the Community Alliance of the Far Eastside, 8902 E. 38th St.. Starting at 11 a.m., visitors can catch seven live music sets and find homemade goods from candles to cosmetics. Be sure to stick around for a Black-owned Food Truck Battle Royale competition, which will feature over 20 competitors vying for the top spot.
Singer AshLee Baskin – known by her stage name PsyWrn Simone – is one of the artists taking the stage. Mirror Indy caught up with Baskin, who will perform at 3:10 p.m., to talk about what she’s looking forward to and what not to miss.
This interview has been edited for length.
Q: What should people not miss at the festival, and what are you most looking forward to?
Answer: I’m biased, so I will say the performances, for sure. I’m looking forward to seeing vendors and supporting local Black businesses, and to the food and the visual art exhibition.
From the oldest to the youngest of us, there’s something there for everyone. It’s really a celebration of all the things that make our community unique and vibrant, and it’s like a collaboration of all the best things about us in one place, on one day.
Q: How would you describe the general vibes of the festival?
A: At the risk of triggering or offending, I’ve always described the vibe as the golden era of Indy Black Expo or Circle City Classic. It provides a space for people to unapologetically be themselves and for us to come together, buy from each other, expand our networks, and to love one another.
Q: What does an event like this mean for the east side and Indianapolis?
A: On the east side, there’s a high concentration of Black people and people of color, and unfortunately there’s a high concentration of homes and communities that are under-resourced and suffering. Melanin in May is an opportunity to focus on the positive things… [and] to experience your city in a different way.
Q: What can people expect from your set?
A: Good music, singing, rapping, different types of artistic mediums blended into the show. My performances are very interactive, and the energy that I get, I certainly put back.
As you come to know me, you’ll find that I’m always trying to mix a little bit of history and culture within the entertainment piece. There will be spoken word, a flute player, movement and dance, and visual elements.
Q: Anything else that people should know before they head to the festival?
A: I want to acknowledge the effort of Dominic Dorsey in putting this event on, because Melanin in May is one of many events he organizes in the city.
Yes, it’s Melanin in May, and it focuses on the contribution of Black people and folks of color, but it really is for everyone. Black people have helped build the fabric of this nation, and certainly in this city, we have made contributions that have moved us forward.
Mirror Indy reporter Breanna Cooper covers arts and culture. Email her at Breanna.cooper@mirror.org. Follow her on X @BreannaNCooper.