Juneteenth Festival

Elliott Lawrence is an accomplished Broadway artist turned solo jazz guitarist and singer, delivering exceptional musical experiences with a repertoire of over 2,000 songs. His genres span classic and smooth jazz, The Great American Songbook, Latin, Yacht Rock, Country, Reggae, and Blues. Elliott’s ability to seamlessly transition between genres ensures every event is uniquely tailored to the audience’s preferences.

Lenny "Fuzzy" Rankins—the talented musician whose lively performances and engaging stage presence make every event unforgettable—you are guaranteed a great time. Whether it's his exciting musical challenges or the friendly atmosphere he creates, Fuzzy ensures that everyone walks away with lasting memories and smiles.

Kendrick Dial, artistically known as Mr. Lyrical Groove, is a multidisciplinary artist, spoken word poet, and the front man of The Lyrical Groove—recipients of the San Diego Music Award for Best Hip-Hop Album—celebrated for their dynamic performances and socially conscious lyrics. With experience as a Navy veteran, creative & executive coach, and leadership trainer, Kendrick brings a distinctive blend of structure and soul to his work. Drawing from his personal experiences and cultural insights, Kendrick’s poetry and music will illuminate the historical and contemporary importance of Juneteenth, fostering a deeper appreciation for its legacy. As our host for the day, Kendrick will weave poetry and spoken word into the program to help us understand the significance of the Juneteenth holiday.

In the summer of 2009, Patricia Murray—motivated by her passion for both teaching and dance—gathered a small group of women who shared her enthusiasm for fun, fellowship, and physical activity. Together, they set out to elevate their line dancing skills, aiming to move well beyond basic routines like "The Electric Slide" and embrace a more dynamic approach summed up by their motto: "Go Hard or Go Home." This dedicated group, including Iris Payne, Vera Mooring, and Pat Williams, met regularly to master a diverse range of classic and contemporary dances.

Kool T began DJing in 1979, quickly becoming a favorite for house parties, high school dances, fashion shows, weddings, and fundraisers. As his popularity grew, promoters and club owners were drawn to his ability to energize crowds, which led to opportunities at larger venues and radio station beach parties. This exposure paved the way for performances at mainstream clubs, skating rinks, and events such as those at the Polinski Center and City College.

Featuring Master Drummer Dramane Koné
Master drummer Dramane Koné carries forward the ancestral music of West Africa, performing traditions passed down through generations of his family. A griot of the renowned Koné lineage of Burkina Faso and Mali, Dramane embodies the Djeli heritage—musician, storyteller, historian, and keeper of cultural memory.

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Time		Entertainment
11:00 AM	🎧	DJ Kool T
11:50 AM	🎤	Host Kendrick Dial, The Meaning of Juneteenth
12:05 PM	💃	Errrverybodi Line Dancers – Line Dance Tutorial
1:10 PM	📖	Host Kendrick Dial, Poetry
1:30 PM	🥁	WorldBeat's African Drummers and Dancers Ensemble
2:05 PM	🎵	Elliot Lawrence, Solo Jazz Guitarist and Singer
3:00 PM	💃	Errrverybodi Line Dancers
4:00 PM	🎸	Lenard “Fuzzy” Rankin Blues Band

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