The Black Girls Rock! Fest (BGR!Fest) will return March 9-12 (on the heels of International Women’s Day) for its fourth year at the Kennedy Center, celebrating the cultural contributions of Black women throughout all creative fields. Grammy-winning British singer and rapper Estelle, and D.C.-raised singer-songwriter Alice Smith will headline a concert on March 11 in the Kennedy Center’s concert hall, organizers said Tuesday.

Estelle’s hit 2008 single “American Boy ” launched her into international stardom, and she’s since recorded multiple studio albums, hosted a regular Apple Music show, and voiced roles on multiple animated series, including Steven Universe. Alice Smith is a Grammy-nominated singer raised in  D.C. and Georgia known for her four-octave vocal range, which she uses to blend genres on records like 2019’s “Mystery.” The two will be joined by NAACP award-winning singer and actress Jade Novah.

In other events during the four-day festival, audiences can enjoy the sounds of D.C.’s own women-led go-go band, Be’La Dona, hip-hop duo Dead Prez, and D.C.-based sister duo The Amours. The festival will make use of the Kennedy Center’s expansive campus, with events taking place at the center’s Studio K, Millennium Stage, and more.

Some events, such as the opening performance by singer and harpist Kayla Ortiz, will be free and live-streamed for those who can’t attend in person  — though they do require advanced registration online. Other events, like the opening party, require a ticket purchase. BGR!Fest culminates with a film forum and Q&A with the film creators.

The festival’s founder, DJ Beverly Bond, says  the event is more than just a series of shows, but a “powerful and symbolic affirmation that underscores the pivotal role that Black women play in shaping cultural discourse.”

See below for a full list of events:

Rock Like A Girl
March 9, Millennium Stage, 6-7 p.m. FREE
Rising R&B star Kayla Ortiz is a singer, songwriter and harpist out of Los Angeles; she will play songs from her debut album Love Me Enough, released in in November 2022.

Opening Party
March 9, Club at Studio K, 7:30-10:30 p.m.
The festival’s premier party will feature Maimouna Youssef aka Mumu Fresh, D.C.’s own Be’la Dona Band, DJ Ty Alexander, and Black Girls Rock! founder DJ Beverly Bond, celebrates the launch of the Black Girls Bond a new digital media site for Black women that deals with all things fashion, beauty, business, tech, and wellness.

BGR!Fest After Dark: Who Rocks Next?
Friday, March 10, Studio K, 9:30-11:30 p.m.
This concert spotlighting women music artists and the next generation of rising talent as part of the festival’s signature concert series. See live performances from Philadelphia artists AAries, rising star Kenya Vaun, and DJ Ty Alexander.

Rock Like a Girl
Saturday, March 11, Millennium Stage, 6-7 p.m. FREE
Known for their eclectic harmonies and undeniable one-of-a-kind sound, D.C. sisters Jakiya Ayanna and Shaina Aisha, aka R&B duo The Amours, bring their soulful sounds and powerhouse vocals to the festival.

Black Girls Rock! Concert 
Saturday, March 11, Concert Hall, 8 p.m.
This year’s headlining concert will feature Alice Smith, Estelle, and Jade Novah.

BGR!Fest After Dark: Black Men Rock! 
Saturday, March 11, Studio K, 9:30-11:30 p.m.
This concert will feature a diverse representation of dynamic Black male music artists including hip hop luminaries Dead Prez, indie-rock artist Bazaar Royale, and others.

BGR!Fest Film Forum: A Soul Sunday Movie Matinee
Sunday, March 12, Justice Forum, 3-5:30 p.m.
Giving Hope: The Ni’Cola Mitchell Story, starring Tatyana Ali, will be the subject of the weekend’s culminating event. The emotional true story of bestselling author and inspirational speaker Ni’Cola Mitchell, who after experiencing sexual violence as a young girl, founded an organization dedicated to saving at risk girls from abuse and exploitation. A Q&A session with the film’s creators and cast will follow.