The 4th annual Albany Juneteenth Celebration Returns for a Day of Live Music and Community
The Californer/10280734

ALBANY, Calif. - Californer -- Albany Juneteenth & Father's Day Celebration enters its fourth year, highlighting the history, culture and contributions of people of the African Diaspora. Juneteenth (short for "June Nineteenth") honors the end to slavery in the United States and is considered the longest-running African American holiday.

This highly anticipated free event will provide a fun and memorable day for families from throughout the San Francisco Bay Area. The craft fair will begin at 10:00 AM, with music commencing at 11:00 AM.

"We are so deeply appreciative of our community, and look forward to creating a vibrant, friendly street party atmosphere", stated Albany Juneteenth Artistic Director, Tiffany Austin. "There is much to be grateful for, including our heritage and connection to one another. " A Berkeley Law JD, educator and vocalist, Austin expressed excitement about curating this year's performances.

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The day will begin with a performance by local acclaimed drummer, Jayla Hernandez at 11:00 AM, followed by a Brazilian Bossa Nova set by the Kenya Moses Quartet at 12:00 PM. Performances continue with a community drumming workshop with African Heritage Ensemble (1:00 PM), salsa and timba with Cuban Bandleader, Obrayan Calderon (2:00 PM), jazz infused rock with Shelley Doty X-Tet (3:00 PM); and funk, soul and jazz with celebrated saxophonist Howard Wiley (4:00 PM). The day will conclude in the Abrams Claghorn Gallery with San Francisco based cellist, Mia Pixley (5:00 PM).

The planning committee includes Kenya Moses, Vocalist, Speaker and Founder/CEO of Bay Area marketing firm, ConsciousMark. "It's been a pleasure to continue this tradition in Albany. The local community has been anticipating this event all year and we look forward to bringing the community together once again", stated Moses.

Robert Abrahms, long-time sponsor, planning committee member and owner of the Abrams Claghorn Gallery on Solano Avenue, shares, "The momentum for the event has gained year after year, and I'm excited to host the craft fair next door and the exhibition of Black artists in the gallery. This year, the gallery will feature the collective works entitled, Echoes of Freedom: On Juneteenth 2024. The artists highlighted in this body of work include, Otis Carpenter, Ajuan Mance, Tiffany Conway, Renata Gray, Fan Warren, TheArthur Wright and Orlonda Uffre.

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Activities for this year's event include an interactive African drumming workshop, food and craft vendors, live music, art exhibits and more.

To attend Albany Juneteenth, view activities and schedules, or to make an inquiry about sponsorship or vendor opportunities, interested parties can visit the Albany Juneteenth website at www.albanyjuneteenth.com.

This year's sponsors include the City of Albany, and is presented by Abrams Claghorn Gallery, ConsciousMark, and Con Alma Music.