0

Niagara Parks Honours Black History Month Through Exclusive Events and Programming

January 22, 2026

Niagara Parks

    • Table Rock House Restaurant to host a soul-jazz night performance with Velvet Frequencies
    • Exclusive speaker sessions will feature guest speakers Lezlie Harper and Rochelle Bush at historic Niagara Parks sites
    • For more information, visit niagaraparks.com/events

Niagara Falls, ON – Niagara Parks is set to host a series of events in honour of Black History Month, including a one-night-only soul-jazz concert and prix fixe dinner at Table Rock House Restaurant, as well as two speaker sessions that will highlight the achievements, leadership and cultural influence of Black Canadians across the Niagara region. For more information on the upcoming Black History Month events, visit niagaraparks.com/events.

Soul-Jazz Night with Velvet Frequencies

Niagara Parks, in partnership with the Niagara Jazz Festival, will welcome Velvet Frequencies to Table Rock House Restaurant on Friday, February 20 from 6:00 to 10:00 p.m. for a soul-jazz concert and prix fixe dinner experience in celebration of Black History Month. This intimate event pairs soulful sounds with an elevated menu that was thoughtfully crafted by our team of talented chefs. Celebrate the timeless pulse of Black music across the decades and discover some bold new beats with friends old and new. Tickets are $150 per person and include the concert, prix fixe dinner, event parking, gratuities and tax. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit niagaraparks.com/jazz.

Lezlie Harper: A History to Be Proud Of

Lezlie Harper, a Fort Erie resident, and owner of Niagara Bound Tours, will host a special speaker session to share insights into several key locations in Fort Erie and their significance within Canada’s Black history. The session will take place on Saturday, February 21 from 2:00 to 3:00 p.m. at the visitor centre theatre at Old Fort Erie. Tickets are $15 per person and can be purchased online at: niagaraparks.com/events.

Rochelle Bush: Freedom Trail

Rochelle Bush, Trustee and resident historian of the Salem Chapel, BME Church Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad National Historic Site and owner of Tubman Tours Canada, will lead an inspiring discussion on the Underground Railroad era and the early Black presence along both sides of the Niagara River. The session will take place on Saturday, February 28 from 2:00 to 3:00 p.m. at McFarland House. Tickets are $15 per person and can be purchased online at: niagaraparks.com/events.

Black History Along the Niagara River

From Niagara’s Freedom Trail to Bertie Hall and the Mackenzie Printery, the Niagara River corridor is rich with connections to many key moments in Canada’s Black history. Visitors can follow the scenic parkway from Fort Erie north to the shores of Lake Ontario in Niagara-on-the-Lake and learn about Niagara’s role in the legendary Underground Railroad that led an estimated 40,000 freedom seekers to Canada throughout the 19th century. Along the way, discover the landing points where individuals arrived in search of freedom and see the printing press that printed Upper Canada’s 1793 Act Against Slavery.

For more information and to learn more, visit niagaraparks.com/blackhistory.

About Velvet Frequencies

Velvet Frequencies is a sonic force rooted in truth, creativity, and cultural legacy. The collective blends neo‑soul, hip‑hop, jazz, and spoken rhythm into a signature sound that honours the past while carving out something unmistakably new. Smooth, intentional, and unapologetically expressive, their music resonates deep, moves the room, and sets the tone for connection and reflection.

About Niagara Jazz Festival

Niagara Jazz Festival is an award-winning not-for-profit music festival dedicated to celebrating jazz and world music. Now in its 13th season, the festival aims to inspire, educate, and develop jazz audiences by combining live music with an immersive Niagara experience including food, wine, culture, attractions, and natural wonders. The Niagara Jazz Festival is supported by Presenting Sponsor TD Bank Group through the TD Ready Commitment.

Media Assets are available here.

Niagara Parks

Niagara Parks

The Niagara Parks Commission is committed to a vision of Ontario’s Niagara Parks as one that Preserves a rich heritage, Conserves natural wonders, and Inspires people world-wide. Founded in 1885, The Niagara Parks Commission is an Operational Enterprise Agency of the Ontario Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Sport. Its mission is to protect the natural and cultural heritage along the Niagara River for the enjoyment of visitors while maintaining financial self-sufficiency.

//