(BALTIMORE – May 3, 2025) – More than 25 years ago, LaRian Finney launched his entrepreneurial journey—and never looked back. A proud son of Cherry Hill and graduate of Baltimore Polytechnic Institute, Finney has become one of Baltimore’s most influential entertainment curators. He’s a master at drawing crowds for unforgettable musical experiences that span generations and genres.
From the steps of City Hall to Hopkins Plaza, Baltimore Peninsula, and now full circle, back again to Hopkins Plaza, his signature event, Jazzy Summer Nights, has remained a cornerstone of the city’s cultural calendar. Over the years, he’s brought icons like Fertile Ground, Chuck Brown, and Raheem DeVaughn to the stage, creating magic under the stars.
Finney helped elevate Jazzy Summer Nights (also known as First Thursdays)—now in its 25th year—as a beloved tradition while also playing a major role in booking top national acts for Baltimore’s African American Heritage Festival, affectionately known as AFRAM. From LL Cool J and Patti LaBelle to Eric Roberson and Teena Marie, Finney’s fingerprint is all over some of the city’s most legendary performances.
“LaRian and The Finn Group have been valued partners with Uptown Media, creating lasting event activations and client experiences,” said Leonard Burnett Jr., Co-Founder and Group Publisher of Uptown Media Group. “Our team looks forward to continuing this partnership to positively impact culture and economic opportunities for small and minority businesses.”
Shelonda Stokes, President of the Downtown Partnership of Baltimore, echoed those sentiments. “LaRian is a visionary leader whose passion for community and culture has shaped Baltimore’s social scene,” she said. She continued, “Through The Finn Group, he builds experiences that evolve into cultural movements. From Jazzy Summer Nights and The Met Gala to AfroPreak, his work fosters entertainment, education, and engagement that enrich our city’s soul.”
Even William H. “Billy” Murphy, Jr.—Baltimore’s legendary legal icon—recognized Finney’s enduring impact: “I’ve known LaRian for over 25 years, and he continues to impress me with his vision, grit, and commitment to doing what’s right for Baltimore’s people and its national image.”
Whether it’s at the Presidents’ Roundtable, Druid Hill Park, Camden Yards, or even down in Prince George’s County, LaRian Finney’s influence reaches from the boardroom to the block. His events reflect not just celebration, but a more profound commitment to economic empowerment and cultural pride.
Just this past Thursday, First Thursday drew more than 2,500 people, vibing to the sounds of a dynamic lineup of DJs. The crowd loved it. The energy was high. The legacy? It’s still thriving.
And yes, The Finn still has it. When asked about his quarter-century legacy, he told BMORENews.com, “25 years is an amazing blessing to sustain a cultural fabric for our city.” He added, “25 represents amazing people (audience and TFG team members), great partners like Downtown Partnership and Shelonda Stokes, and talented artists who always create the vibe. I love my City and JSN has been my love letter to Baltimore for 25 years.”
We love you back, Finn!
“LaRian Finney is a cultural architect—he doesn’t just throw events, he builds platforms that celebrate our music, elevate our businesses, and unite our community. As Executive Producer of Marketplace, The Marc Clarke Show, and The Doni Glover Show, I’ve seen firsthand the impact of Jazzy Summer Nights and AfroPreak. These aren’t just entertainment—they’re movements. LaRian’s vision continues to amplify Black excellence in every way that matters.”
— Rondy Griffin, Executive Producer, Marketplace, The Marc Clarke Show, The Doni Glover Show
I would be remiss not to acknowledge that long before I ever conceived of the Black Wall Street Awards, Mr. LaRian Finney was already laying the groundwork—curating some of the most impactful and dynamic business events in Baltimore, especially for my generation.
Yes, there were trailblazers before him—icons like Ackneil Muldrow of the Baltimore Marketing Association and Robert Clay of the Maryland Minority Contractors Association—but Finney’s African American Business Summit set the standard for those of us coming up in his era. It raised the bar for Black business excellence and networking.
I’ll never forget meeting Gloria Mayfield Banks because of him—the legendary “Pink Cadillac” powerhouse who dominated Mary Kay sales like a champion. I also remember he and I meeting Daymond John over 20 years ago, along with real estate guru Alethea King and Joy Bramble, the trailblazing publisher of The Baltimore Times and mother of P. David Bramble—one of Baltimore’s most respected Black developers.
Through his vision and tireless advocacy, LaRian Finney has touched people from all walks of life and uplifted Baltimore’s Black business community for over 25 years. His impact runs deep, and his legacy is still unfolding.
