The Urban Conga's A Cappella Turns Jacksonville Music History Into Rewritable Public Art

A Cappella, a participatory public art installation by The Urban Conga, has been unveiled at the newly established Jacksonville Riverfront Music Garden along the St. Johns River. This artwork features selections from 84 songs created by over 60 local artists, representing a timeline from the 1920s to the 2020s, chosen through thorough community input. Visitors can rearrange individual words and short phrases from the lyrics to create unique compositions, blending various genres and time periods. The installation is situated within a musical note carved into the landscape, next to the Jacksonville Symphony, and is divided into four sections that reflect symphonic movements: motivation, home, love, and freedom. Throughout the day, dichroic and reflective panels change color and light, providing a unique visual experience with each visit. A central circular bench offers insights into the connections between the movements and sections, promoting social understanding. Designed to evolve, the installation will include new artists as Jacksonville's musical narrative progresses. The Urban Conga presents this piece as an open score, asserting that the most authentic cultural remembrance is intentionally left unfinished.