The Simsbury Meadows Performing Arts Center is set to host the Rhythm & Brews Juneteenth Celebration on June 15. The event, featuring Black culinary delights, brews, and live performances, aims to reflect the spirit of freedom and unity among the communities of Avon, Canton, Farmington, Granby, and Simsbury.
Collaborative Effort for a Unified Celebration
Nicole Kodak, Co-Chair of Simsbury’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Council, expressed the excitement of having five towns collaborate on this Juneteenth event. “Feel the beat of freedom and fun at the bigger 2024 Rhythm & Brews Juneteenth celebration with a day of live music, food trucks, and LEGO®-themed entertainment as we celebrate freedom in America,” said Kodak.
Music, Food, and LEGO Magic
The event will feature performances by Nekita Waller, Damian Curtis and the Afro Cuban Jazz Project, and Magic Soul Drumline. These artists are expected to bring a powerhouse of musical diversity to attendees.
LEGO Systems, Inc. will sponsor the world’s largest LEGO® Black Brick Play Zone and a full-sized LEGO® Black Panther™ Photo Zone for the younger audience.
Culinary and Brew Experiences
Brewmaster Alisa Bowens-Mercado, owner of Connecticut’s Rhythm Brewing Co, will bring her “Sips & Salsa” session to the event. This unique experience combines beer tasting with a brief salsa lesson, adding a spirited twist to the celebration.
Food trucks such as Southern Bell Soul Food, Soulfully Vegan, and Ice Cream Dream will represent local Black cuisine. Attendees can also visit the Simsbury Meadows pub for more food and drink options.
Educational Opportunities
The celebration is not just about music and food. Attendees can visit an on-site history tent to learn about Black enslavement and freedom in the Farmington Valley. The tent will feature insights from Carol Clark-Flanagan, a history faculty member at Ethel Walker School, and Jennifer Lopez, along with representatives from the historical societies of the five towns.
The event is made possible by sponsors including Eversource Energy, Simsbury Main Street Partnership, Northwest Community Bank, Lamar Outdoor Advertising, iHeartMedia, Elkinson + Sloves, Inc., XL Color/Allied Printing Services, and the towns of Avon, Canton, Farmington, Granby, and Simsbury.
Admission and Additional Information
The Rhythm & Brews Juneteenth Celebration is free to the public. Gates open at 12:30 p.m., and performances start at 1 p.m. For more details, visit Simsbury Meadows.org.
Event Schedule
- 12:30 PM: Gates Open
- 1:00 PM: Nekita Waller Band
- 2:30 PM: Magic Soul Drumline
- 3:00 PM: Damian Curtis Afro-Cuban Jazz Project
- 4:30 PM: Raffle Prizes
- 4:40 PM: Magic Soul Drumline
Thank you to Farmington Storage for supporting our blog. For storage needs in Farmington, CT, visit them at 155 Scott Swamp Road, or call 860.777.4001.
