By TSD Newsroom
MEMPHIS, TENN. – The stage is set June 17-19 for a bevy of artists and entertainers to perform their eclectic musical styles at the Memphis Juneteenth Urban Music Festival on the grounds of the historic Robert R. Church Park on “world-famous” Beale Street during Father’s Day Weekend.
This is the 24th year that Juneteenth is being celebrated in Memphis. The long-running festival is a mainstay and a cultural delight for celebrants seeking historic information about Juneteenth and an opportunity to revel in the park.
“Memphis has a rich musical history and a plethora of talented artists and musicians. That’s why it is important that we continue to celebrate the Juneteenth Urban Music Festival,” said Telisa Franklin, Juneteenth’s CEO and president.
A number of activities are scheduled for the more than 40,000 visitors expected to attend the festival this year. There will be plenty of entertainment, food, games, vendors, a car show, rides and bouncers for the children. This year’s title sponsor is Ford Motor Company, The 2016 Ford Experience Tour.
National recording artist Tony Terry will headline the music festival. Terry is an R & B singer whose first single, “She’s Fly,” peaked at number 10 on the Billboard R&B singles chart. He’s charted as well with a number of other releases.
This year a Memphis Juneteenth Job and Career Fair will take place at Golden Gate Cathedral, 3240 James Rd., and serve as the official kick off Tuesday, June 14, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Job seekers are encouraged to bring their resume and dress for success.
On Thursday, June 16, the youth will strut their stuff at the Memphis Juneteenth Youth Evening of Stars pre-show to the Juneteenth Urban Music Awards at the Crowne Plaza East Hotel, 2625 Thousand Oaks Blvd. Tickets are $10.
The awards show will start at 7:30 p.m. and feature international recording artist Melvia “Chick” Rodgers and live performances by “Big Baby” Tameka Goodman, JROQSOL, Cortney Richardson, Delvin Crutcher, J. Lake, Ashton London, and Shenéa the Songstress.
Channel 24 on-air personality Yvette Whiteside and life coach Dr. Sid will host the show.
General tickets are $10; premiere, $25. Tickets can be purchased at That’s Love Banquet Hall, 2988 Old Austin Peay; Uncle Lou’s Chicken, 3633 Millbranch Rd.; and McClain Motors, 1505 Elvis Presley Blvd. Tickets also can be purchased on Juneteenth’s website atwww.memphisjuneteenth.com.
On Friday, June 17, artists and entertainers will sing, dance and woo the thousands of festivalgoers all-day long at the park.
There will be something special for men on Saturday, June 18: The first annual 1,000 Fathers March. Hosted by Lifeline to Success and a number of sponsors, men are encouraged to participate in an effort to stamp out crime through the power of relationships. Registration starts at 9 a.m. at FedExForum, 191 Beale St. The march will start at 10 a.m.
Gospel music is an integral part of Juneteenth. On Sunday, June 19, the last day of the festival, “Praise in the Park” will commence at noon. It is an all-day worship experience that crosses color lines and embodies “One God, One Love, One City.”
Churches and faith-based groups throughout Memphis are invited to worship in the park and bring with them a message of hope, faith, reconciliation, unity and praise. Innovation Church, pastored by the Rev. Marron D. Thomas Sr., will headline this year’s “Praise in the Park.”
Innovation Church has two worship opportunities. The Main Campus is located at 3925 Overton Crossing and the Trezevant Campus is located at 3350 Trezevant Ave., both in the Frayser community. The pastor founded the church three years ago.
“Music unites us as a human race and helps to cast our worries aside,” said Franklin. “We have too much in common to allow the problems we face in society to drive us apart. Praise in the Park is the conduit that pulls us together – blacks, whites and other ethnicities.”
