The annual Juneteenth celebration in St. Petersburg brings together the community to honor cultural heritage.
Juneteenth weekend in St. Petersburg, Florida, celebrates Black legacy and Motown music through various cultural events. Key highlights include performances at The Studio @620, free admission at the James Museum, and community gatherings in Gulfport. The weekend also features notable entertainment, including comedy shows and a music lineup with renowned artists. Events reflect a commitment to honoring Black artistry while fostering community engagement.
Juneteenth weekend celebrations in St. Petersburg highlight the legacy of Motown and an array of cultural events across the Bay Area. The festivities commenced with the “Legacy of Legends: Voices of Motown” event at The Studio @620, which runs for three nights. This production, curated by resident artist Patrick Arthur Jackson, is dedicated to honoring Black creativity, resilience, and joy while showcasing the significant influence of Motown Records on American culture.
The lineup of featured artists includes vocalists Canela Vasquez, NaTasha McKenzie, AR Williams, Janderlyn White, and Terrence Jamison. These performers will take audiences through iconic Motown milestones. The musical direction of the show is led by Matthew Mykel, with Dominic Santini playing bass, Caleb Miller on drums, and choreography by Myles Thoroughgood.
As part of the Juneteenth celebrations, the James Museum of Western and Wildlife Art is offering free admission on the opening day, although attendees will need to obtain timed-entry tickets to visit. In Gulfport, a Juneteenth celebration sponsored by the Kiwanis Club will be held from 5 to 9 p.m. today at Pavilion 6 on Gulfport Beach, bringing a sense of community and recognition to the significance of the holiday.
Film Tampa Bay is also taking part in the weekend festivities with a Juneteenth Film Celebration at the Tampa Theatre, scheduled for 6 p.m. The event will showcase local short films and a documentary directed by Elvis Mitchell. Additionally, the R.O.C. the Block Juneteenth celebration is set to occur on Saturday from 3 to 8 p.m. at Raymond James Stadium, featuring live music, games, and a variety of food vendors. This event, while free of charge, requires pre-registration.
The weekend continues with several notable entertainment events. Chaunte Wayans is set to headline the “Womyn in Comedy” show in honor of St. Pete Pride at the Museum of Fine Arts on Saturday. Music enthusiasts can look forward to performances from Jon Anderson of Yes and Ringo Starr with his All-Starr Band throughout the weekend.
The theatre scene is vibrant as well, with productions such as “Fat Ham” by American Stage and “Lady Day at Emerson’s Bar & Grill” at Stageworks Theatre running during this festive period. For those interested in experimental arts, the Tampa International Fringe Festival is also ongoing this weekend, offering an eclectic mix of performances.
Music lovers can enjoy performances by the British band Glass Animals and pop icon Avril Lavigne at the Mid-Florida Credit Union Amphitheatre. Comedy enthusiasts can catch shows featuring Ralph Barbosa and René Vaca at the Straz Center, while Dimas Sanchez & the Afro Latin Jazz Project will perform at the Palladium Theater, further contributing to the diverse cultural offerings this weekend.
The Juneteenth weekend celebrations not only commemorate a pivotal moment in American history—the abolition of slavery—but also serve as a platform to promote and celebrate Black artistry and contributions to America’s cultural fabric. The events planned across the Bay Area reflect an engaging combination of music, arts, and community that underscores the continued relevance of these themes today.
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