Art & Soul returns for year 30

Driving the news: Art & Soul Sundays — a free, monthly concert series highlighting this year's featured artists — returns to the Indianapolis Artsgarden this weekend with a performance from 2012 headliner Tony Styxx.

• Art & Soul's class of 2026 selected from a pool of more than 60 artists will take center stage from May through August.

Zoom in: Here are the four artists chosen this year.

Austin Dean Ashford: Musician, playwright and stage performer.

• A multidisciplinary creator who collaborates with organizations like Flanner House and IF Theatre to mentor emerging Black artists in theatre, music and storytelling.

Kenn.Wav: Musician

• A pianist inspired by artists like D'Angelo, his work emphasizes connection and shared experiences.

Auboni Essence: Literary and spoken word artist

• A poet who recently competed nationally with a slam poetry team, headlined That Peace Open Mic and led a six-week youth poetry workshop and showcase.

D'yshe Mansfield: Singer, songwriter, actor and director

• An artist who blends pop, rock, R&B and soul. She has rocked stages at The Jazz Kitchen, BLACK: A Festival of Joy, Legacy Fest and BUTTER.

If you go: Each edition of Art & Soul Sundays starts at 3pm.

• Auboni Essence performs on May 17, Kenn.Wav on June 14, D'yshe Mansfield on July 12 and Austin Dean Ashford on Aug. 9.
• All four will be in action Oct. 10 during the Featured Artist Showcase at the Madam Walker Legacy Center.