Year in and year out, Indiana Black Expo brings in some of the biggest music acts in the nation -- and this year's no different, with Keyshia Cole, Kem and Cameo among the headliners.

But for many, the real draw is the local acts. And for these bands, the Expo isn't just another show -- it's a chance to play in front of a national audience and expand their listener base.

The 16 local bands, which will perform 15-minute shows July 19 at the Cultural Pavilion's Music Lounge, cover a broad musical spectrum, ranging from soul to traditional hip-hop. What do they have in common? A desire to break the mold of most mainstream acts, and instead create inspirational lyrics and messages of hope.

We spoke with four of the local acts, plus national R&B/jazz sensation Kem, to get an idea of what concertgoers can expect to see and hear.

Russell 'Rusty Redenbacher' Johnson of the Mudkids

Performs (solo) 3:30 to 3:45 p.m. July 19.

How would you describe your music?

Our music can best be described as golden-age sound of hip-hop, from like 1992 to 1995. It's something to make you think, with thought-provoking lyrics and classic hip-hop production.

How is the Expo more than just another show for you?

For one, this is me playing solo, and it's only like the fourth time of my playing solo, so it's definitely exciting. But also it's everything going into Expo -- all the people you meet and networking you can do. Ever since I moved here when I was a child, I always attended and always got involved.

Besides your performance, what are you most excited about doing at this year's Expo?

Shopping. Like, at all the exhibitions, I always get two hats, because I can find good hats only at the Expo. I'll usually pick up a book, too. Also, you know, just seeing all the people I know that I only see at Expo. I mean, I'm looking forward to all the people-watching and saying, "What's up?" to all these people I know

How do you work to make your music a positive force in the community, while still keeping people entertained?

It's something I've always strived for, subconsciously or consciously. Like I made a decision to not cuss much, because for one, it's easier to get on radio and second, I'm more creative than that.

Creativity was always Job No. 1 for me, and the message was just natural, working with one of my best friends in Tyler (Knapp), so there was no way I could make crappy, angry music.

What I want people to know is that we are still regular cats, and we hold jobs and DJ on weeknights to pay bills. But we work hard because we love it.

Like in my solo album, "Lazarus," which will be coming out at the end of the year, it gets dark at times, but there is always hope in the end.

Radamez

Performs from 2:15 to 2:30 p.m. July 19.

How would you describe your music?

Inspirational hip-hop and a mix of a variety of others. For the content, I talk about life -- my life, other people's lives, people's experiences - things that go on every day. I like to take chances with tracks, and I'm more likely to take a beat that someone won't ordinarily take.

How is the Expo more than just another show for you?

It has a lot of history going on with it. And it's important for the African-American community to have something that is your own. I mean like anybody is welcome, and it's not only for black people, but it is important to know your culture and your history.

Besides your performance, what are you most excited about doing at this year's Expo?

The celebrity basketball game. I used to volunteer with that and I'd be able to hang out with the celebrities and sit in the front row. So I'm looking forward to seeing that and also seeing some of the exhibits like the health fair and the concerts that are going on.

How do you work to make your music a positive force in the community, while still keeping people entertained?

There's a lot of good music out there, but for me, I want to say something that is worth something. A lot of stuff I rap about is things I've been through, like being raised in a bad situation but being able to turn it around and make a positive out of it.

I'm not going to act like I'm a perfect angel, though. I say things how I feel, and I won't hold nothing back. If it is coming out offensive, then that is just how it is.

Vincent of Dovinci

Performs 2:45 to 3 p.m. July 19

How would you describe your music?

Basically we do a lot of R&B, hip hop and soul, but it's really a mixture of the three. We like to get a mix of everything in our rap.

How is the Expo more than just another show for you?

Doing the Expo exposes us to a larger range of people, as opposed to just one type of crowd that might come out for one of our shows.

Besides your performance, what are you most excited about doing at this year's Expo?

I really just want to see people joining together and having a good time.

How do you work to make your music a positive force in the community, while still keeping people entertained?

That's the hard part, really. We don't do any cussing or any of that in our music, and we just rap about real-life experiences and have some positive songs in our repertoire. We don't want to sing about just shootings and gangs, but instead keep it in a range where it is positive and all that.

45 Wayz of Parker Brothaz

Performs from 5:15 to 5:30 p.m. July 19.

How would you describe your music?

Aggressive -- not necessarily gangster, but witty, aggressive music. It explores a lot of metaphors. I really couldn't put it into a category; it's just basically me and my brother's view on life in a way that's not boring, and it's music that we would want to listen to.

How is the Expo more than just another show for you?

It's just the tradition behind the Expo ..... performing at a marquee event like this is an honor, and it shows that you really are making some strides. Also it's the simple fact that it's not going to be just a club crowd, but there is going to be a lot of different people.

Besides your performance, what are you most excited about doing at this year's Expo?

I'm pretty excited since I haven't gone in a few years, even though I used to go all the time as a kid. But it's just the whole feel -- it's a good time and there are generally a lot of beautiful females there, too. Also I'm looking forward to kicking it with the family and catching some of the other concerts.

How do you work to make your music a positive force in the community, while still keeping people entertained?

It is hard with me, personally, too hard to find a positive in a lot of things. So my style of positive is me going through my thought process, pointing out what's wrong from my perspective. I don't want to bring everyone down, but just to stay true to who the Parker Brothaz are.

I want to motivate people to do what you gotta do. Like, when I played football at North Central, I would listen to music to get motivated. And I want to do kind of that. I want to be like coffee for people, and give them a jolt of energy.

Cultural Arts Pavilion Music Lounge Schedule

When: 2 to 6 p.m. Saturday

Where: Indiana Convention Center, Rooms 109-110

2 p.m. Sonny Bamboo

2:15 p.m. Radamez

2:30 p.m. Tara Michelle

2:45 p.m. Dovinci

3 p.m. Reign

3:15 p.m. AlphaLive

3:30 p.m. Rusty of the Mudkids

3:45 p.m. Justice League

4 p.m. Sonny Bamboo

4:15 p.m. BFAM

4:30 p.m. Turtle

4:45 p.m. Prism

5 p.m. Dre Young

5:15 p.m. Parker Brothaz

5:30 p.m. Nappyville

5:45 p.m. Mays Aaron

Along with the Music Lounge, Indiana Black Expo presents these concerts:

July 19

Teen Bling Party with V.I.C., Playaz Circle, Cupid, Jadakiss, Hot Stylz, 9 p.m. to midnight Conseco Fieldhouse. Admission included with $20 Teen Bling Ticket (advance purchase).

Music Heritage Festival featuring Keyshia Cole, Kem and Chrisette Michele, 7.p.m. Indiana Convention Center, Sagamore Ballroom, $50, $65.

July 20

Gospel Explosion concert, 3 to 7 p.m., Indiana Convention Center, Hall A. Free.

WhiteLies.tv Free Concert featuring Cameo, Con Funk Shun and the Whispers, 6 p.m. Sunday, American Legion Mall. Free.

- By Trevor Brown / Indy.com