Juneteenth Celebration at BlackRock Center for the Arts

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Montgomery County, in partnership with local governments and organizations, will host its 28th annual Juneteenth Celebration on Saturday, June 21, 2025, at the BlackRock Center for the Arts in Germantown MD, featuring live performances, vendors, food, and community programming under the theme "Pushing Back – The Fight for Freedom is Not Over." The festivities begin with the African American Living Legends Awards Ceremony on Friday June 20, honoring residents over age 75 for their significant contributions to the county, as leaders emphasize the importance of preserving and celebrating African American history and culture.

On Saturday June 21, BlackRock Center for the Arts and The City of Rockville invites everyone to celebrate, reflect and re-energize as the fight for freedom is not over. BlackRock Center for the Arts has curated an unforgettable day of Education, Entertainment, Vendors and Food Trucks on June 21 from 12pm to 10PM.

Juneteenth is co-hosted by Montgomery County and the BlackRock Center for the Arts, a vibrant hub that embodies the spirit of inclusivity and diversity. Located in the heart of Germantown, the most diverse community in the nation, BlackRock has been instrumental in honoring this significant date for the past 27 years.

The featured performers on the outdoor stage in include Northeast Groovers, Mousey Thompson and the James Brown Experience, Sol Roots, Image Band, Kashi-Tara and the BGX Band, The Harvest Life Praise Team, DJ Oso Fresh, and more.

About the Outdoor Stage Performers:
Northeast Groovers
"The legendary go-go band and ambassadors of D.C.'s official music, Northeast Groovers, are known for their high energy live performances and infectious beats. Their latest album showcases the group's signature blend of funk, R&B, and old school hip-hop influences."

Mousey Thompson & The James Brown Experience
"Mousey Thompson is an incredible drummer who is known for his work with James Brown, Wilson Pickett and more. He leads the group, the James Brown Experience, which is an all-star ensemble performing popular songs of one of the greatest music legends of our time."

Sol Roots
"Sol is a fierce guitarist and soulful singer that has toured the world with many musical legends. The Sol Roots band performs an award winning blend of New Orleans influenced funk, deep blues, heartfelt jazz and soul, and hypnotic rhythms. This special Juneteenth set will also feature many D.C. area musical heroes."

Image Band
"The Image Band was formed with the purpose of reproducing, propagating and improving the dynamism of the Caribbean musical form. Pulsating percussive rhythms, throbbing guitar and bass riffs, steady keyboard patterns, and live horns complement the group's presentations. The group performs R&B, Hip Hop, Reggae and Dancehall - however, Soca reigns as the heartbeat of this band."

Kasi-Tara and The BGX Band
"A musical blend of neo-soul, hip-hop, and R&B funk"

DJ Oso Fresh
"3 decades of rockin' parties has given DJ Oso Fresh the opportunity to open up and spin with the likes of KRS-One, Phife of ATCQ, Jungle Brothers, Organized Konfusion, Slick Rick, Ghostface, Raekwon, King Britt, and many more."

This year's festival promises to be a free, family-friendly event filled with entertainment and community spirit, including:

Live concerts and performances from talented local artists that celebrate African American culture and history.

A bustling artisans market featuring unique handmade goods from local creators, showcasing the richness and creativity of the community.

An array of delicious food options from local vendors, celebrating the diversity of culinary traditions.

Engaging talks and performances that encourage reflection and discussion about the significance of Juneteenth and the ongoing fight for freedom.

Many other featured musical performers, poets, dancers, teachers, scholars, visual artists, and vendors will be on site for the Juneteenth Celebration including Act-So & Nyah Glover, the Harvest Life Church Praise Team, The Washington Revels Heritage Voices, Crazy Legz, Javon Rustin & Amuche The Poet, Soul In Motion African Dancers and Drummers, Monica Colbert, the Jessica Valoris Artist Workshop, GMAR, Micheala Harrison Artist Workshop, Resiliance Has A Face/Film Screening, Brandon J Donohue-Shipp Artist Workshop, Rhythms of Our Roots/Tribute to Story & Song, Veketia Gibson, BJ Dawkins/Chair Maryland Black Chamber of Commerce, and more!

Join us in celebrating Juneteenth by connecting with friends and family for an unforgettable day of music, creativity, and unity. Together, let's honor our past while looking forward to a future where freedom and justice are realized for all.

There is an Eventbrite webpage with more information about this BlackRock Center for the Arts event, with updates on the event, and a chance to win a family four pack of tickets to a future BlackRock event!

Don't miss this year's Montgomery County Juneteenth Celebration at BlackRock Center for The Arts!

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