Missy Lane’s Block Party to Bring Live Music Street Festival Back to Downtown Durham
DURHAM, NC – Art of Cool co-founder Dr. Cicely Mitchell is staging a bold return to Durham’s music scene this fall with a brand-new street festival—and it’s more than just an event, it’s a second chance.
Announced with emotion before a packed audience at Missy Lane’s Assembly Room on Monday (July 14), Mitchell revealed that she will launch the Missy Lane’s Block Party, a one-day music festival taking place on October 4 on the 300 block of East Main Street in downtown Durham.
“This is the do-over,” said a tearful Mitchell, co-owner of Missy Lane’s and a pioneer of Durham’s cultural renaissance. The new festival will be co-produced by GRAMMY-nominated artist Chief Adjuah (formerly known as Christian Scott), a longtime collaborator who performed at the original Art of Cool festival’s debut in 2014.
A Spiritual Successor to Art of Cool
Mitchell, along with Durham trumpeter Al Strong, co-founded the Art of Cool Festival in 2013. Over the years, it became one of Durham’s most anticipated cultural events, spotlighting jazz, soul, hip hop, and R&B artists—ranging from icons like Roy Ayers and Maceo Parker to future stars like Anderson.Paak and Thundercat. The festival also shone a light on North Carolina talent, including Rapsody and NCCU’s Vocal Jazz Ensemble.
The Art of Cool Festival was sold to the DOME Group in 2018 and held its final installment in 2019.
New Name, Same Mission
Though this new festival won’t carry the Art of Cool name, the vision remains rooted in musical excellence and community celebration. The idea was reignited after Mitchell and Chief Adjuah reconnected at the 2023 Newport Jazz Festival. His first question to her: “When are you relaunching Art of Cool?”
That question sparked the revival energy now driving Missy Lane’s Block Party.
Festival Details
- Location: 300 block of East Main Street, Downtown Durham
- Date: Saturday, October 4, 2025
- Produced by: Cicely Mitchell & Chief Adjuah
- Presented by: Missy Lane’s Assembly Room
- Lineup: To be announced
Event organizers say additional details—including performance lineups and schedule—will be released soon.
Disclaimer: This feature image is a visual representation intended to convey the atmosphere of a jazz block party. It does not depict or represent any specific individuals, performers, or groups affiliated with Missy Lane’s Block Party or its organizers.
Mitchell photo: Christopher Charles Photography