Music@BCM to celebrate rich traditions of American music July 2 with gospel, bluegrass and Americana

Few things bring people together quite like music. As the nation celebrates America 250, Behringer-Crawford Museum will showcase two groups whose performances reflect the rich traditions of American music during Music@BCM on Thursday, July 2.

Making their first Music@BCM appearance, The Brotherhood Singers have been sharing their signature jubilee-style gospel music for more than three decades. Formed from the renowned Ninth Street Baptist Church Men’s Choir in Covington, the quintet is known for rich harmonies, uplifting performances and an engaging stage presence that often has audiences singing, clapping and joining in the celebration.

Led by founding member Eric “Ric” Jennings, the group blends traditional gospel favorites with patriotic songs and feel-good rhythm-and-blues selections. Their reputation has extended well beyond Northern Kentucky, with performances at the Library of Congress in Washington, D.C., and appearances throughout the United States, Spain, Portugal, Italy, Switzerland, Canada and Russia.

Current members include Eric “Ric” Jennings, Eric Riley, Stace “Babydeac” Darden, Demetrius “Chilly Wind” Davenport and Sam “Watson” Norris Jr.

Following The Brotherhood Singers, Northern Kentucky Music Legend Steve Bonafel and his band One Iota will take the stage with a mix of bluegrass, country and Americana. A respected singer, songwriter and performer, Bonafel has spent decades building a reputation as one of the region’s premier musical talents.

After years performing as a sideman with other bands, Bonafel launched One Iota in 2002. Since then, the group has released multiple albums, performed hundreds of live shows and earned recognition on both regional and national stages. One Iota was selected to perform at the prestigious International Bluegrass Music Association Showcase, and Bonafel has performed at the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville while also being selected multiple times for the IBMA Songwriter Showcase.

A longtime fixture in Northern Kentucky’s music community, Bonafel also played an early role in the career of Taylor Mill native and future country music superstar Carly Pearce, who got her start singing in his band before heading to Nashville. His accomplishments include earning Bluegrass Song of the Year honors in 2016 and reaching No. 1 on the Radio Music DJs Hot Top 100 chart with his song “The Last Parade.”

Weather permitting, concerts are held outdoors at Behringer-Crawford Museum, located at 1600 Montague Road in Covington. In the event of inclement weather, performances will be moved indoors. Parking is free.

Doors open at 6 p.m., when guests may enter the museum and concert grounds to enjoy exhibits, food and drinks before the performances begin at 7 p.m. Concert admission includes access to Treasures From the Attic: 250 Years of Fashion & Furniture, on display through Aug. 9.

Admission is $10 for adults, $5 for museum members and students ages 13–18 and free for children 12 and under. Visitors presenting an EBT card receive a reduced admission of $3 for up to four persons.

Food from Skyline Chili, Erlanger, will be available for purchase during the concert, along with a cash bar and the crowd-favorite “Split the Pot” raffle. Guests are encouraged to bring lawn chairs or blankets for outdoor seating.

To purchase learn more, visit bcmuseum.org or call 859-491-4003.

The 2026 schedule continues with:

Behringer-Crawford Museum