8th Annual Juneteenth Rhythm & Ribs Festival returns to Round Rock

“The Voice” Inc. and the City of Round Rock Parks and Recreation Department are joining forces again for the 8th annual Round Rock Juneteenth Rhythm and Ribs Festival on Friday, June 17 (7:30 pm to 11:30 pm) and a full day of entertainment on Saturday, June 18 (2:00 pm to midnight) at the Lakeview Pavilion in Old Settlers Park located at 3300 E. Palm Valley Blvd., Round Rock, Texas.

The festivities begin on Friday, June 17 at 7:30 pm with a headlining performance by Les and the Funk Mob & DJ Cut Creator.  For more than 25 years as a Deejay, Jay was voted one of the top 25 Hip Hop DJ’s of all time by “Newsweek” magazine. Cut Creator is a legendary icon in the Hip Hop Industry, and as the right hand for one of Hip Hop’s mega stars LL Cool J who also coined the famous phrase … “WHAT’S MY DJ’S NAME…CUT CREATOR” which became one of rap’s best known lyrics of all time on the “Rock the Bells” single.

The Funk Mob’s musicianship has enabled them to perform with greats like Jason Mraz, Patti LaBelle, Howard Hewitt, George Lopez, Mary Mary, Larry Braggs with Tower of Power, and Az Yet, The Funk Mob is setting new standards for excellence with its ever-growing fan base.  Their inspiring, energetic and funky groove keeps the dance floor packed and the party rolling.

The celebration continues Saturday, June 18 at 2:00 pm. The barbeque cook-off participants will already have their pits fired up and meat cooking for judging starting at 12:00 noon. At 3:00 pm, the opening welcome from Round Rock Mayor Alan McGraw kicks off the day’s festivities.

The entertainment on Saturday includes the headliner and international super star Cupid and the Dance Party Express. In 2007, Bryson “Cupid” Bernard shuffled his way into the hearts of millions with the up-tempo party song “Cupid Shuffle,” which also inspired the popular dance craze of the same name. “Cupid Shuffle” reached No. 66 on the Billboard Hot 100. From appearances on nationally syndicated TV and radio talk shows such as Dr. Oz, Steve Harvey and Tom Joyner to breaking the Guinness Book of World Records in 2008 for the largest line dance assembled with over 17K people, Cupid has virtually reshaped dance music and created an entirely new genre.

Cupid has only built on his momentum by spreading his love of dance by making appearances on “The Doctor Oz show,” and “The Mo’Nique show”. His endeavors have led him to partnerships with Disney and McDonalds. He takes part in Disney’s annual Disney Dreamers Academy each year and has even been the face of McCafe. More recently Cupid has teamed up with Cash Money Records to release the hit single titled “Wham Dance” featuring artist Mystikal.

Saturday evening entertainment also includes Lisa Marshall & Tameca Jones Band. Soul-a-licious, folk-funk dusted with Rhythm and Blues is the music of Lisa Marshall. Lisa Marshall’s latest CD, ‘Stay Right Here’ is a tribute to the music from the 60’s/70’s Soul explosion of Stax, Muscle Shoals, Motown and more. Use of string arrangements, three part harmony call and answer vocals ala The Sweet Inspirations, Wurlitzer and guitar licks weave the seam of the music.

Tameca Jones spent years skillfully and tastefully breathing new life into the music of others. She made a name for herself as the “Queen of Austin Soul,” blowing minds with her tasteful and vibrant interpretations of a diverse list of artists that include Tina Turner, Nirvana, Elton John, Jimi Hendrix, and more. The Austin Chronicle called her interpretations “sonic pretzels” that “juxtapose(s) crunchy jaggedness with her infectious, honeyed voice.” Her ability to go from soulful wailing to silky coos has won her devoted fans, accolades, and some high profile situations opening for Austin super stars Gary Clark Jr., Max Frost, Bob Schneider and other big touring acts. She received major love from Billboard Magazine for her white hot performance at the 2015 Austin Music Awards, where she paid tribute to late beloved musician Ian McLagan alongside legends like Steven Van Zandt, Charlie Sexton, Alejandro Escovedo, and Patty Griffin. Billboard said she “raised the roof,” while The Austin Chronicle called her performance “showstopping.”

There will also be clowns, moonwalks, games, health fair, specialty food, retail vendors and much, much more! Additionally, Round Rock Police Department will be hosting family activities for kids along with the U.S. Armed forces.

The Juneteenth Rhythm and Ribs Festival is sponsored by 96.3 RnB Radio Austin and the Round Rock Express.

Juneteenth is the oldest known celebration commemorating the emancipation of slavery in the state of Texas. Historically, the celebration falls on June 19th and commemorates the day in 1865 that Texans were told by Union troops that the Civil War had ended and that all slaves were now freed. Though the Emancipation Proclamation became official on January 1, 1863, there was little impact on the lives of Texans until 1865.  Today, Juneteenth celebrates African American freedom while encouraging self-development and respect for all cultures.

To get more information about the Juneteenth celebration and to register for the barbeque contest or vendor booths, visit www.thevoicerr.com or www.roundrocktexas.gov/juneteenthadmission and parking for this event are free.

Friday, June 17, 2016 Entertainment Schedule:
7:30pm            DJ Cut Creator & Les and the Funk Mob

Saturday, June 18, 2016 Entertainment Schedule:
2:30pm            Judah Praise
2:45pm            One Way Baptist Church Sanctuary Choir
3:00pm            Opening ceremony
4:00pm            BBQ Cook-off winners announced
5:30pm            Lisa Marshall
7:30pm            Tameca Jones Band
9:30pm            Cupid and the Dance Party Express (Headliner)

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