The Art of Cool Festival recognized as America’s Best-Kept-Secret

"The Art of Cool Festival in Durham, North Carolina blends the best of jazz, hip-hop, alternative and cutting-edge dopeness with panel discussions that explore blackness in entertainment and America."

— "RECAP: Okayplayer Experiences America’s Best-Kept-Secret, The Art Of Cool Fest!" Okayplayer, Kevito

Downbeat Magazine Enjoys Art of Cool Festival

"The inaugural Art of Cool Music Festival on April 25–26 honored North Carolina’s rich cultural legacy with 40 artists carefully curated by festival founders Al Strong and Cicely Mitchell, and hosted by venues in Durham, N.C."

—"Inaugural Art of Cool Fest Enlivens Durham, N.C., " Shannon Effinger, Downbeat

Revive Music Notes Rare Moments at Art of Cool Festival

"On Friday, April 25th and Saturday, April 26th Durham, North Carolina was the central place for all things cool in the world of eclectic soul and future jazz. The next generation of great musicians played with today’s most revered soul artists headlining multiple stages."

—"Rare Moments at a Rare Festival: Welcome to The Art of Cool," Harmonious Assembler, Revive Music

Huffington Post Looks Forward to Art of Cool Jazz Festival

"In late April, its going down. That is, an eclectic mix of Jazz, Neo-Soul, jazzy Hip-Hop and Retro Funk for two days...It's the Art of Cool Music Festival, in Durham, NC, the best-kept-secret, jewel box of a music festival happening this year I think."

"Why the "Art of Cool" Is the Best Festival in 2014 You Might Sleep On, Until Now - Part 1: The Lineup, " Wyatt Closs, The Huffington Post