Make plans to attend the first Granby Celebrates Juneteenth festival at Salmon Brook Park—a free arts festival hosted by Granby Racial Reconciliation (GRR) on Saturday, June 18 from 3 to 8:30 p.m. To mark the newest federal holiday—Juneteenth—the festival celebrates Black culture through music, dance, art and presentations.
DPHR Music will emcee the event linking the fun festivities with his DJ talents. Granby Memorial High School students Haley Kaczka and Zolah Daly will sing the National Anthem and Lift Every Voice and Sing. After welcoming remarks by the Juneteenth GRR Committee and town officials, Sazzy Brass, a jazz combo featuring women brass players on trumpet and trombone, will kick off the musical portion with jazz and contemporary standards from 3:15 to 3:45 p.m.
GRR is grateful that Kamora Herrington, founder/visionary of Kamora’s Cultural Corner and Cultural Humility presenter and educator, will return to inspire this event. David Jackson, a visual artist, will be creating an original painting influenced by the festival happenings throughout the day, which will be open for bids in a silent auction at his booth with proceeds supporting GRR.
Around 4:45 p.m., as their social media states, “I dance, therefore I am,” Rhythms in Color dance group will enliven the stage. The First Cathedral Praises of Zion Gospel Choir is sure to uplift the spirits of attendees.
Dr. Frank Mitchell, cultural organizer in visual arts and public humanities and Director Emeritus of The Amistad Center for Art and Culture, will present the history of Juneteenth.
At 6:15 p.m., with her beautiful singing voice, Tomaca will encourage us to seize this day. The event will culminate with a concert by the acclaimed Soul Sound Revue performing well-known hits in the true Motown Tradition. The concert will begin at 6:45 and end at 8:30 p.m.
All events are free and open to the public. Food and drink will be available for purchase at the Zen Den Concession and Z Catering Food Truck. There are many restaurants in town to enjoy as well. Some performers and presenters will have booths to sell music and products. The Salmon Brook Historical Society, Friends of Holcomb Farm, Granby Conservation Commission, and Granby Racial Reconciliation will all have booths with educational materials and family friendly activities. The Bright Spot Therapy Dogs will be attending in the afternoon and they look forward to interacting with attendees. Free onsite parking is available.
In the event of rain, the celebration will be held on Sunday, June 19. For more details visit GranbyRacialReconciliation.com/juneteenth