Grammy Award-winning musicians, an outdoor roller-skating rink and educational tours on a trolley were all part of the second Juneteenth Jubilee on Saturday in downtown Fayetteville.
The celebration, which commemorates the end of slavery in the United States, will continue Sunday at Festival Park.
The jubilee was organized by Cool Spring Downtown District. This year’s theme is disco and the 1970s.
“A lot of cool things happened in the 1970s and also a lot of great music,” said Bianca Shoneman, president and CEO of the downtown booster organization.
Festival Park opened at 3 p.m. Saturday with music, vendors, food and other entertainment.
Bill “Fatback” Curtis, a recent inductee into the Fayetteville Performing Arts Hall of Fame, was the headliner for Saturday night. He and the Fatback Band will lperform disco and rap from the 1970s and 1980s, including hits such as “(Are You Ready?) Do the Bus Stop” and “King Tim III (Personality Jock).”
“Mr. Curtis’ group, The Fatback Band, played with us last year, and the ’70s were their heyday. So, it only made sense to bring him back and honor some of Fayetteville’s most distinguished musicians,” said Shoneman.
Grammy-winning funk and R&B recording artist Rose Royce will follow with a full night of dance hits including the mega-hit “Car Wash.”
Sunday will bring even more music with community choirs starting at 2:15 p.m. They include the Cumberland Choral Arts, Christ Worship Center Church and United Ministries in Christ. The headliner is Grammy- and “Soul Train” Music Award-winning performer Tye Tribbett, who will take the stage with gospel and soul music at 4:45 p.m.
Tribbett, known as the “Elvis of Gospel,” has collaborated with artists such as Faith Hill, Snoop Dog, India Arie, Sting, Common and Mary J. Blige. His repertoire showcases high-energy praise and soulful worship songs incorporating African rhythms.
In addition, more than 20 local food trucks and 100 vendors will on site. Bounce houses, yard games and more will be available for children.
