World-famous jazz musicians Lakecia Benjamin and Shunzo Ohno headline the Songs for Our Fathers Juneteenth Concert at New Rochelle City Hall, 515 North Ave. on Father’s Day, June 19 from Noon-5pm. The event is produced by The Lincoln Park Conservancy, Inc. in partnership with the City of New Rochelle.
Bring your lawn chairs and sit back and experience the mesmerizing sounds of jazz at this unique outdoor concert. Host for the program is Sharif Abdus-Salaam, jazz historian and radio host on WKCR-FM-89.9. Sharif’s program, "Jazz Alternatives," is the longest running show of the genre in the world. He also produces and hosts a weekly jazz music show on WKNY, a community radio station based in Kingston, NY, called "TransArt Presents Jazz in the Valley."
The Juneteenth Celebration begins at Noon with a traditional African Processional with dancers and drummers from the Bokandeye African American Dance Theater, a flag raising ceremony and a solo of “Lift Every Voice and Sing” by Joi Evans. The program continues with remarks by NYS Senator and Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins, followed by greetings from County Executive George Latimer and New Rochelle’s Mayor Noam Bramson. Community Advocate Leslie Gaskin will deliver a poem on Fatherhood.
The jazz concert begins with the music of Trumpeter Shunzo Ohno, then bassist Rocky Middleton takes the stage and Saxophonist Lakecia Benjamin closes out the set with her electrifying performance.
An African Marketplace with vendors from the tristate region selling jewelry, clothing, artwork, fragrances, African-inspired linens, books and more will be located on Hamilton Ave., adjacent to City Hall. Food Vendors and Food Trucks will also be located on Hamilton including Chef Ed, Matrix On the Go, Taqueria del Valle and Mr. Softee Ice Cream.
An exhibit entitled, A Tribute to Fathers, is at the Rotunda Gallery at City Hall and will be open to the public from Noon to 3pm for a reception to meet the artists.
On Monday, June 20 from11am to 5pm, Olley the Trolley will take passengers on a Tour of the Black Enclaves of New Rochelle narrated by City Historian Barbara Davis. For reservations visit: Eventbrite.com – TLPC Juneteenth Trolley Tour of African American Enclaves.
New Rochelle’s Juneteenth Celebration - Songs for Our Fathers is a communitywide celebration that began June 4th and will culminate on June 24th. Events take place at 8 venues around the city, hosted and produced by 9 New Rochelle community organizations and institutions. Songs for Our Fathers is the brainchild of Linda Tarrant-Reid, Executive Director of The Lincoln Park Conservancy, Inc. The Commemoration, now in its second year, with plans to continue annually, is in partnership with the City of New Rochelle. Support from the City’s IDA, ArtsWestchester, The NRP Group and Westchester County make the historic observance possible. All events are free and open to the all ages.
The Lincoln Park Conservancy, Inc., a 501c3 community organization in New Rochelle, NY, has as its mission to preserve, document, educate and promote the rich history of the Lincoln Avenue Corridor and its connection, both historically and present-day, to the larger community of the City of New Rochelle and beyond.
For details on Juneteenth events visit: facebook.com/tlpcjuneteenthcelebration or email: thelincolnparkconservancy@gmail.com
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