Legendary Nona Hendryx to Guide Willie Mae Rock Camp's Future Sounds Mixtape Event

By: Kimberly Porter| Willie Mae Rock Camp| Image: WMRC/Lawrence Sumulong

Hey music lovers and future-shapers! Looking for something exciting to do this June? Come join the Willie Mae Rock Camp at National Sawdust for a truly unique, interactive experience that’s perfect for all ages!

On June 13th at 7:30 pm, the talented students of Willie Mae will be taking the stage to share their original sounds and songs, using multi-channel setups that make the music come alive. You’ll also catch live performances from Willie Mae Alumni and the innovative Black Sound Salon, an experimental sound collective that always brings something unexpected. Trust us, you won’t want to miss this!

The event is called Future Sounds Mixtape, and it’s more than just a concert—it’s an immersive journey into the future of music and technology. You’ll see firsthand how Willie Mae’s music and STEM programs are helping students (and alumni!) dream up and build a world that’s bold, creative, and inclusive. Legendary Nona Hendryx will guide the night as our Mistress of Ceremonies.

Image: @nonahendryx

Future Sounds Mixtape: Empowering Tomorrow’s Creators Through Music, Tech, and Community

If you care about empowering BIPOC girls and gender-expansive youth through music and tech, this is the event for you. Willie Mae Rock Camp is a Brooklyn-based nonprofit that’s been making waves since 2004. Inspired by the legendary Willie Mae “Big Mama” Thornton, the camp was founded by a crew of NYC women musicians who wanted to make music and technology accessible to everyone. All their youth programs are tuition-free, open to beginners, and focused on creating opportunities for BIPOC girls and gender-expansive youth. Whether it’s in-school, after-school, summer camp, or online, they’re all about hands-on learning, creativity, and community.

Leading the charge is Executive Director LaFrae Sci, a powerhouse musician, educator, and composer who’s been with Willie Mae since the beginning. Under her leadership, the camp has grown into a year-round hub for music, STEM, and creative exploration.

Want to learn more or get your tickets? Head over to Willie Mae Rock Camp’s website for all the details. Mark your calendar:

Future Sounds Mixtape

June 13th, 2025 at 7:30pm

National Sawdust: 80 North 6th Street, Brooklyn, NY

Tickets: $20 About Willie Mae Rock Camp: Founded in 2004 by a group of New York City female musicians, their mission is to help young people build the skills and confidence they need to thrive as creative leaders in a tech-driven world. All of their youth programs are tuition-free, require no prior experience, and are designed to ensure every voice is heard and represented. About National Sawdust: National Sawdust is a vibrant nonprofit music venue and artist incubator located in Williamsburg, Brooklyn, housed in a beautifully restored former sawdust factory. Since opening its doors in 2015, it has become a cornerstone of New York’s new music scene, praised for its world-class acoustics and innovative programming that spans genres and cultures.