WASHINGTON — Brenae Johnson and the other young musicians with the Stax Music Academy considered it the honor of a lifetime to bring Memphis soul to the National Mall.

But performing as part of the grand-opening festival for the Smithsonian’s new Museum of African American History and Culture makes the musical experience even more meaningful.

“It’s way more than just a performance,” said Brenae, a 17-year-old singer.

The festival, which began Friday and goes through Sunday, is a celebration of the nation’s African-American musical heritage, the long struggle for social change and the many men and women who led the way.

Read the full story: http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/2016/09/24/stax-music-academy-wows-crowd-smithsonian-event/91017954/