HOOD RIVER — Black in the Gorge (BIG) and The Next Door, Inc. will host the third annual free Gorge Juneteenth Celebration on Thursday, June 19 from 3-9 p.m. at Jackson Park.
“This will be our biggest celebration yet, with more music, BIPOC vendors with crafts and food, as well as participatory opportunities for all ages including art, African dance and drumming,” said a BIG press release. “Many community organizations will be there with information about what they do and kid-friendly activities.”
The press release continues, “Red Elk Drum Circle will begin the event, welcoming and connecting participants to the land and each other. Then Jujuba will get us up and dancing with infectious African rhythms. Singer/songwriter and Black in the Gorge member Marie Louise will share some of her meaningful tunes followed by Chibia, a genre-bending and incredible Portland musician.”
Gorge Unity Choir, led by singer Cynta Butts, will be accompanied by jazz pianist Tim Mayer. All are welcome to come to sing in this choir. (Come to one or both practices (Monday, June 16 and Wednesday, June 18 at 5:30 p.m. at Riverside Community Church).
The evening finishes with jazz/blues/soul singer LaRhonda Steele, known as Portland’s Queen of the Blues, and saxophonist Eldon T. Jones.
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