Five Farmington Valley Towns Band Together to present 'Rhythm & Brews' Juneteenth Celebration on June 15

Submitted release

SIMSBURY – The best in black food, brew, and music comes alive at a unique Juneteenth celebration in Simsbury. The Simsbury Meadows Performing Arts Center announced today that it will host the Rhythm & Brews Juneteenth Celebration from 1 – 5 pm on Saturday, June 15.  

What distinguishes this Juneteenth celebration is that five suburban towns in the Farmington Valley – Avon, Canton, Farmington, Granby, and Simsbury—are banding together to bring the spirit of freedom and fun to the community at large.

“We are very excited to have five towns collaborating on this fun-filled Juneteenth celebration, “said Nicole Kodak, Co-Chair of Simsbury’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Council. “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 family-friendly entertainment as we celebrate freedom in America.”

This event brings together the best in Black food, brew, and live music. The free community event showcases performances by Nekita Waller, Damian Curtis, the Afro Cuban Jazz Project, and Magic Soul Drumline.  Kids of all ages can experience the world’s largest LEGO® Black Brick Play Zone and full-sized LEGO® Black PantherTM Photo Zone, courtesy of LEGO Systems, Inc!  

Have a taste for more? Brewmaster Alisa Bowens-Mercado, owner of CT’s Rhythm Brewing Co, will host her unique “Sips & Salsa” with beer tasting and a brief salsa lesson. Guests may also experience the best in Black cuisine by purchasing from the onsite food trucks: Southern Bell Soul Food, Soulfully Vegan, and Ice Cream Dream. Simsbury Meadows pub will also be open.  

Visitors can stop by an on-site history tent, which will provide education on black enslavement and freedom in the Farmington Valley. Carol Clark-Flanagan, a history faculty member at Ethel Walker School, Simsbury’s Jennifer Lopez, and the Historical Societies from the five towns. 

All this and more...and admission is FREE thanks to sponsors 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.  

“Our goal is both educate a wider audience and celebrate together the importance of Juneteenth, the federal holiday commemorating the end of slavery on June 19, 1865,” said Kodak. “Juneteenth is a great time to gather together and celebrate freedom for all of us.” 

For more information, visit Simsbury Meadows.org.

Schedule:

12:30    Gates open

1:00      Nekita Waller Band

2:30     Magic Soul Drumline 

3:00     Damian Curtis Afro-Cuban Jazz Project

4:30     Raffle Prizes

4:40     Magic Soul Drumline