Solstice 2023

Celebrate long summer days and hot summer nights at the museum’s 13th annual Solstice—a night when art and music come together. This year, Solstice features live music sets from OKAN (Cuba/Toronto), the Bazurto All Stars (Colombia), La Sra. Tomasa (Spain),  and GoldFish (South Africa). Sanctuary, one of Cleveland's favorite dance parties, showcases DJ Red-I, DJ Nuera, DJ Selecta, and DJ Mark Who? Projections, light displays, and decorations will electrify the museum. The galleries will stay open late into the night, and some will host flash talks presented by museum staff.

Tickets are $150. The all-inclusive ticket covers admission, as well as unlimited food and beverages, including beer, wine, and canned cocktails. This event is for guests 21 or older.

Members receive exclusive access to presale tickets beginning on Monday, May 15, at 10:00 a.m. The presale continues until tickets have sold out or until 5:00 p.m. If available, tickets for the public go on sale on Tuesday, May 16, at 10:00 a.m.

Become a member for a first chance to reserve your presale tickets.

NOTE: The CMA will close at 4:00 p.m. on Saturday, June 24, and open at 12:00 p.m. on Sunday, June 25, 2023, due to Solstice. Our South Doors will be temporarily closed from Thursday, June 22 to Monday, June 27. Please use the main entrance when entering and exiting the building. Provenance Restaurant will be closed on Sunday, June 25, 2023. 

Music Schedule

7:00–8:00 p.m.: OKAN

Blending traditional Cuban music, jazz, and contemporary Afro-Cuban sounds, OKAN embraces every culture and welcomes it as its own. In the religion of Santería, “okan” means “soul.” This is embodied in the great sophistication of their music—a look to the history of Cuban music with a modern and fresh touch, the evolution of Cuban music outside Cuba. Groove to global rhythms and powerful songs about immigration, identity, resistance, and love. More info about OKAN can be found on the group’s website. 

8:15–9:15 p.m.: Bazurto All Stars

The Bazurto All Stars formed in 2009 in the heart of Cartagena, Colombia, in the Bazurto Market, amid the myriad colors, sounds, and smells of that epicenter of Caribbean and African culture. The group is known as a pure party machine and the best champeta band in Colombia, whose seven musicians put on an unrivaled stage show with contagious energy and dancing. The band has won the prestigious Congo de Oro award multiple times and has produced numerous number-one radio hits across Colombia. More info about the Bazurto All Stars can be found on the group’s website.

9:30–10:30 p.m.: La Sra. Tomasa

Barcelona-based La Sra. Tomasa offers a fusion of Latin-flavored music—ranging from funk, reggae, and hip-hop to trap and drum ’n’ bass—respecting Latin musical traditions and infusing them with fresh new urban influences and electronic sounds. This explosive mix is what has helped the band build a rapidly growing international fan base. More info about La Sra. Tomasa can be found on the group’s website. 

10:45 p.m.–12:00 a.m.: GoldFish

This year’s Solstice headliner is GoldFish! An electronic duo from Cape Town, South Africa, GoldFish has gone from one of dance music’s best-kept secrets to leading exponents of the live electronic music scene. The duo’s pioneering mix of saxophones, flute, double bass, keyboards, and pounding house beats has touched a nerve with audiences across the world, leading to their tagline, “Reinventing the DJs.” A consistent string of chart-topping hits—and a live show that has seen countless festival appearances, from Coachella to Glastonbury—has helped GoldFish become one of the most enduring and influential groups in live electronic music. More info about GoldFish can be found on the group’s website.

7:00 p.m.–12:00 a.m.: Sanctuary

Founded by Mark Mathews and Daniel Gray-Kontar, Sanctuary was one of Cleveland’s best dance parties, every first Saturday at Touch Supper Club. The stellar event hosted DJs from around the nation, pairing local musicians with international artists to bring a mixture of soul and dance music from around the world to Northeast Ohio. Sanctuary makes an epic return at Solstice featuring cofounder Mark Mathews (DJ Mark Who?), DJ Nuera, and DJ Red-I. Pittsburgh-based Selecta, a Sanctuary favorite, will headline. A pioneer of the Pittsburgh DJ and hip-hop scenes since the late 1980s, James Scoglietti, better known simply as Selecta, has supported many international touring artists, such as De La Soul, the Pharcyde, the Roots, Rakim, KRS-One, and countless other luminaries.

Artists

9:30 p.m.–12:00 a.m.: Kevin Jackson Projection Mapping

Kevin Jackson, based in Cleveland, Ohio, is renowned for his innovative installations and captivating VJ sets which masterfully integrate projection mapping. His comprehensive body of work includes creating exclusive visuals for Black Moth Super Rainbow and as a support act for Nine Inch Nails. He has also made significant contributions at the Super Bowl. Currently, he holds a VJ residency for R&B Only at the notable Detroit electronic music festival, Movement. Jackson’s exploration of projection mapping is revolutionizing the world of live event experiences globally. At Solstice, he will be creating site specific content inspired by the museum’s art collection and the music of the other bands performing.

7:00pm-12:00am.: Inflatabill Inflatable Art

Bill Kennedy, commonly known as Inflatabill, is an artist and designer based in the San Francisco Bay Area who specializes in creating giant inflatable luminaries that transform everyday spaces into the extraordinary. Using his skills, Inflatabill hand designs, cuts, sews, and installs unique, high-quality inflatable works of colored and lit art.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I reserve Solstice tickets?

Museum members may reserve tickets beginning on Monday, May 15, at 10:00 a.m. on the CMA website or by calling 216-421-7350. If tickets are still available after the member presale, the public sale begins on Tuesday, May 16, at 10:00 a.m. All tickets are $150.

What does my ticket include?

The all-inclusive ticket covers admission to see performances byOKAN (Cuba/Toronto), La Sra. Tomasa (Spain), the Bazurto All Stars (Colombia), and GoldFish (South Africa). Sanctuary, one of Cleveland's favorite dance parties, will showcase DJ Red-I, DJ Nuera, DJ Mark Who?, and DJ Selecta for an unforgettable evening of mixing, mingling, dancing, and fun. Tickets include unlimited food and beverages, including beer, wine, and canned cocktails. Along with the amazing art, great food, and unforgettable fun throughout the evening, the museum’s permanent collection galleries will be open late into the night as well, with CMA staff providing flash talks in select galleries.

What type of food will be offered?

Unlimited hot food including poblano macaroni and cheese, hot honey chicken sandwiches, gourmet pizza bagels, and beef or jack fruit loaded tots will be served. Snacks including peanut noodle salad, greek salad, cheese cups, and fruit cups will also be available throughout the evening. Admission also includes unlimited beer, wine, and canned cocktails.

Will I be required to bring identification?

Yes. Solstice is for guests 21 and over. Photo ID must be presented upon entry, and all attendees are required to bring their ticket on paper or phone.

How many guests are expected to attend Solstice?

As many as 5,000 guests may attend this energy-filled night of music and art. This signature summer event is our biggest party of the year.

Where can I park?

Parking is available in the CMA garage at a $20 flat rate—the member discount does not apply for this event. Parking is also available at the Cleveland Museum of Natural History. Explore more options at University Circle Inc. Ride-sharing or public transportation is highly recommended, as this is expected to be a well-attended event. 

What is the dress code?

Solstice is the party of the year, and guests typically wear fashionable club attire. The CMA does not allow clothing with profanity or images/texts that promote violence. As a you dress for the occasion, the CMA would like to remind you that flowers are not allowed in the galleries.

What if it rains?

Solstice will happen rain or shine. In the event of inclement weather, outdoor performances will be moved to the museum’s Ames Family Atrium. Please be aware that umbrellas are not permitted inside the event. 

Is Solstice accessible to people with disabilities?

Yes, the CMA welcomes people of all abilities all the time, and Solstice is no exception! For more information on accessibility at the museum, please visit the CMA website.

How can I apply for media credentials?

If you are media interested in covering Solstice, please contact our media relations staff at mediadesk@clevelandart.org.

How can I learn more about sponsoring Solstice?

For more information about corporate partnership opportunities, please contact Linas Vysnionis, director of institutional relations, at lvysnionis@clevelandart.org.

As a safety precaution, visitors will pass through a metal detector upon entry to the event. See a complete list of museum policies.