Curtis King on The Black Academy of Arts & Letters, Art as Healing & the 2026 Riverfront Jazz Festival

"Text 'SPONSOR' to 469-609-7540 for advertising info" What happens when a creative vision becomes a lifelong commitment to culture, community, and the next generation? In this episode of More Than 2 Min, presented by Greenhouse Lounge & Wellness Center in DeSoto TX.

Wil E. sits down with Curtis King, founder of The Black Academy of Arts and Letters (TBAAL) and visionary behind the Riverfront Jazz Festival in Dallas, Texas. King takes us from his childhood in Coldwater, Mississippi, and his early success as a young actor, through Jackson State University and TCU, to the extraordinary story of how the history of TBAAL was salvaged from a New York dumpster—ultimately inspiring him to start the organization with just $250.

Curtis also opens up about his current season of transition and transformation, overcoming obstacles, faith, creativity, and his philosophy that artists are healers and entertainment can support emotional, mental, and physical well-being. We dive into the vision behind the Riverfront Jazz Festival, why Black music—from jazz and blues to R&B, gospel and hip-hop—is connected through the Black experience, and how the festival helps create visibility while supporting TBAAL’s youth arts and education programs.

King previews the ninth annual Riverfront Jazz Festival, happening September 4–6, 2026 at Fair Park in Dallas, featuring Gladys Knight, Brian McKnight, Samara Joy, Spyro Gyra, King George, Bilal, Marian Meadows, Alex Bugnon, Kim Waters, Jamal Roberts, Afro-Fusion Band, and more. The episode closes with Culture Check: Riverfront Edition, where Curtis King reflects on memorable festival performances, including Erykah Badu, Mary Wilson, Freda Payne, Eloise Laws, Rachelle Ferrell and others—and shares who he’s most excited to see in 2026.

In this episode: Curtis King • TBAAL • The Black Academy of Arts and Letters • Riverfront Jazz Festival • Dallas Jazz • Black Arts & Culture • Art as Healing • Music & Mental Well-Being • Youth Arts Education • Black Music • Dallas Events • Fair Park Dallas Riverfront Jazz Festival 2026: September 4–6, 2026 | Fair Park, Dallas, Texas #CurtisKing #TBAAL #RiverfrontJazzFestival #DallasJazz #MoreThan2Min Support the show