Bmore Seoul to Soul takes on Ynot Lot

On Sunday, if you pass by Station North’s Ynot Lot, you’ll see a unique confluence of dance.

Performers in beautiful, floral robes will sway to drum beats while club dancers groove to popping beats. It’s part of an event called Bmore Seoul to Soul, which aims to unite the Korean and African-American communities.

Tensions rose between the groups last spring after the unrest following Freddie Gray’s death, when Korean shop owners faced damage to their businesses in predominantly African-American communities. Organizers felt that sharing in art could promote healing.

“We’re hoping this will be a showing of solidarity,” says Ben Stone, executive director of the Station North Arts and Entertainment District.

The event, which premiered in May, starts at 3:30, is free, and features song and dance performances by Bmore than Dance, Hee Kyung Lee Korea Traditional Dance Team, Dance and Bmore, and Han Pan Korean American Cultural Center. Maryland First Lady Yumi Hogan, who is a Korean native, is scheduled to make an appearance as well.

There will be drinks and eats from Brown Rice and Koco food truck as well.

Stone says the groups will perform by themselves, but the audience could see these diverse styles merge further.

“Maybe the groups will come up and perform together,” he says. “You never know what will happen.”