Levitt plans Juneteenth celebration

On June 21, the fourth annual Arlington Juneteenth Celebration returns to downtown Arlington at the Levitt Pavilion, 100 W. Abram St., with a free concert headlined by New Orleans funk powerhouse Big Sam’s Funky Nation, a Levitt fan favorite noted for their electrifying blend of funk, jazz, rock and hip-hop. The event kicks off at 5 p.m., with music starting at 7 p.m.

The concert will open with a performance by Audacity, a dynamic DFW-based all-girl band popular for their high-energy live shows spanning “old and new school” R&B, hip-hop, pop and jazz. Arlington native and singer-songwriter Patreece Dade-Ohakam, a former Arlington ISD teacher, will kick off the show with a stirring rendition of the National Anthem and Black National Anthem.

The Arlington Juneteenth Celebration is a collaboration between Service First Initiatives, the Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. Arlington Alumni Chapter and Levitt Arlington. These organizations originally joined forces in 2022 to produce this free community event, which also features vendors and food trucks.

“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.”

Letatia Teykl, executive director of Levitt Pavilion Arlington, added, “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.”

The Juneteenth Celebration is part of Levitt’s free summer concert series, which also includes a June 20 performance by rising Texas country singer-songwriter Angel White (fresh from a spring appearance at the Stagecoach Country Music Festival in Coachella Valley); a tribute to Selena on June 27 with Tejano Queen Forever; and the return of Levitt favorite the Brad Thompson Band and free fireworks at the Light Up Arlington celebration on July 3.

‍