Downtown Arlington gears up for its fourth annual Juneteenth Celebration on Saturday, June 21, featuring a free concert at the Levitt Pavilion, located at 100 W. Abram St. Headlining the event is New Orleans funk group Big Sam’s Funky Nation, known for their fusion of funk, jazz, rock, and hip-hop that promises to bring an electrifying atmosphere to the festivities. The celebration, which starts at 5 p.m. with music kicking off at 7 p.m., is a collaboration between Service First Initiatives, the Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc., Arlington Alumni Chapter, and Levitt Arlington, as reported by the City of Arlington's official website.
Audacity, a powerful DFW-based all-girl band, will take the stage with a mix of R&B, hip-hop, pop, and jazz to energize the crowd with their "old and new school" beats. Patreece Dade-Ohakam, a singer-songwriter and proud Arlington native, welcomes the audience with performances of the National Anthem and Black National Anthem to kick off the show. With its heart firmly planted in the community, the event is not merely about the music but rather a ceremony to reflect on a pivotal moment in history, with President Torey Page of the Arlington chapter of Phi Beta Sigma telling the City of Arlington, "This celebration is all about bringing the community together to honor an important moment in our nation’s history."
The festivities will also feature a selection of vendors and food trucks, adding to the communal vibe of the Juneteenth Celebration. Letatia Teykl, executive director of Levitt Pavilion Arlington, highlighted the partnerships and the importance of early arrival. "We’re honored to once again partner with Phi Beta Sigma and Service First Initiatives to produce what’s sure to be a wonderful celebration," Teykl expressed in a statement to the City of Arlington. "Arrive early, bring your lawn chairs, and get ready to enjoy eclectic cuisine from our food trucks and browse the wares from our Juneteenth vendors."
