Music fans will be treated to a free concert June 21 as the fourth annual Arlington Juneteenth Celebration returns to the Levitt Pavilion to celebrate the national holiday that commemorates the official announcement of the end of slavery in Texas (and the rest of the nation) on June 19, 1865, when Union troops arrived in Galveston to enforce the Emancipation Proclamation. 

The event starts at 5 p.m., with music commencing at 7 p.m. at the pavilion, 100 W. Abram in downtown Arlington. The concert will be headlined by New Orleans funk powerhouse Big Sam’s Funky Nation that fills the stage with its blend of funk, jazz, rock and hip-hop. 

“This celebration is all about bringing the community together to honor an important moment in our nation’s history,” said Torey Page, president of the Arlington chapter of Phi Beta Sigma. “All are welcome. If you’ve never attended a Juneteenth celebration, you’re in for a memorable and meaningful experience — from grooving to the brass and soulful sounds of Big Sam’s to relaxing on the Levitt lawn with family and friends.”

Audacity, a DFW-based all-girl band popular for their high-energy live shows spanning “old and new school” R&B, hip-hop, pop and jazz, will open the concert. Arlington native and singer-songwriter Patreece Dade-Ohakam, a former Arlington ISD teacher, will sing “The Star-Spangled Banner” and the Black national anthem, “Lift Every Voice and Sing.”

The Arlington Juneteenth Celebration is a collaboration between Service First Initiatives, the Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity Inc. Arlington alumni chapter, and Levitt Arlington. 

Levitt officials said those organizations originally joined forces in 2022 to produce the free community event, which also features vendors and food trucks.

“We’re honored to once again partner with Phi Beta Sigma and Service First Initiatives to produce what’s sure to be a wonderful celebration. Arrive early, bring your lawn chairs, and get ready to enjoy eclectic cuisine from our food trucks and browse the wares from our Juneteenth vendors. Free parking is available at public lots throughout downtown Arlington,” said Letatia Teykl, executive director of Levitt Pavilion Arlington.

Levitt said that the Arlington Juneteenth Celebration is part of its free summer concert series that also includes a June 20 performance by rising Texas country singer-songwriter Angel White, who recently performed at the Stagecoach Country Music Festival in Coachella Valley; a tribute to Selena on June 27 with Tejano Queen Forever; the return of Levitt favorite the Brad Thompson Band; and free fireworks at the Light Up Arlington! celebration on July 3. 

Lance Murray is a freelance contributor covering business for the Arlington Report.

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