Celebrate Jackson Ward: Past, Present, and Future this weekend with music, UPDATED with schedule changes

The Richmond Symphony is rolling out the big tent in Abner Clay Park for two days of music.

May 20, 2016; 10:32 AM • by Richard Hayes

Update #1 — May 20, 2016; 10:23 AM

Due to inclement weather and unseasonably low temperatures expected throughout the day into the evening, the Saturday performances for Celebrate Jackson Ward: Past, Present, and Future will move inside to Richmond Alternative School located right next to Abner Clay Park at 119 W Leigh St, Richmond, VA 23220. All performances from 12:00 – 6:00pm on Saturday will take place in the school’s auditorium. The Richmond Symphony’s performance originally scheduled for Saturday, May 21 at 7:00pm has been rescheduled for Sunday, May 22 at 6:00pm under the Big Tent in Abner Clay Park. The Symphony will perform an eclectic program of music that reflects the communities of Jackson Ward with Virginia Repertory Theatre, Elegba Folklore Society, and Celebrate Jackson Ward Community Choir. The pre-show performance presented by Richmond Jazz Society of saxophonist JOHNNY HOUSTON & SWAGGER will begin at 5:00pm.

Friday night’s activities will proceed as planned at Abner Clay Park with Art 180’s Really Big Show kicking off the festival at 5:00pm. Sunday’s original line-up will also proceed as planned.

Additional Sunday, May 22 Updates: Beer and wine vendors have been rescheduled to Sunday, May 22 from 1 – 8pm.

Friday, May 20 at Abner Clay Park: 5:00 – 7:30pm
Art 180’s Really Big Show

Saturday, May 21 at Richmond Alternative School: noon – 6:00pm

The Chorus of Friends and Bells of Friends 12:00 – 1:00pm
Friends Association for Children TheatreLAB – excerpts from “Lady Day” featuring Katrinah Lewis
City Dance Theatre
TRAIN EXPRESS – Virginia Repertory Theatre/Cadence Theatre

Drums No Guns 1:00 – 3:00pm
Life’s Dream Music and Production School

Daughters and Sons of Muntu 3:00 – 4:00pm
Richmond Youth Jazz Guild

Maggie L. Walker National Historic Site 4:15 – 6:00pm
One Voice Chorus Ensemble
Ezibu Muntu African Dance & Cultural Foundation

Sunday, May 22 at Abner Clay Park: noon – 8:00pm

Charles Gilpin Theatre Group 1:30 –2:30pm
Dance Candle Academy of Performing and Sacred Arts

Ebenezer Baptist Church Children’s Choir 2:30 – 4:20pm
Ebenezer Baptist Church – Praise/Liturgical Dance

St Paul’s Baptist Church Male Chorus
Community Celebration 4:30 – 4:50pm

Closing Remarks 4:50 – 5:00pm

NEW TIME: Richmond Jazz Society Ensemble: 5:00 – 5:30pm
JOHNNY HOUSTON & SWAGGER

NEW TIME: Richmond Symphony Orchestra 6:00 – 8:00pm
with Virginia Repertory Theatre, Elegba Folklore Society, and Celebrate Jackson Ward Community Choir

— ∮∮∮ —

Original — May 17, 2016

Celebrate Jackson Ward: Past Present and Future will showcase the unique history of Jackson Ward through the stories and performances from various individuals and organizations that continue to make a positive impact on the area. Proceeds from the festival will be used to benefit the Friends Association for Children, The Black History Museum and Cultural Arts Center of Virginia and G.W. Carver Elementary School. The Festival will feature three days of performances and activities. Anchored by a performance by the Richmond Symphony under its new “Big Tent” with Virginia Repertory Theatre, Richmond Jazz Society and Elegba Folklore Society, the festival will also give many professional, community and school groups an opportunity to perform on the Symphony’s new state-of-the-art outdoor stage. The Festival will also highlight Art 180’s Really Big Show as part of the weekend’s festivities. Bring your lawn chair and enjoy the music! Festival admittance is free and open to the public.

Everything is happening at Abner Clay Park at the corner of Brook Road and W. Clay Street.

If would like to help out with festival HandsOn Greater Richmond is still looking for volunteers. Check out your do-good options right here.

Scheduled Performances

Friday, May 20 | 5 – 7:30pm
Art 180’s Really Big Show
Saturday, May 21 | 12 – 9pm
Friends Association for Children – Choir
Richmond Symphony Youth Orchestra
TRAIN – Virginia Repertory Theatre/Cadence Theatre
Drums No Guns
Ezibu Muntu African Dance Company
Daughters and Sons of Muntu
Richmond Youth Jazz Guild
City Dance Theatre
One Voice Chorus Ensemble
Richmond Jazz Society
Johnny Houston, Saxophone
Richmond Symphony with Virginia Repertory Theatre
Elegba Folklore Society
Celebrate Jackson Ward Community Chorus
Sunday, May 22 | 12 – 6pm
Community Celebration
St. Paul’s Baptist Church Male Chorus
Ebenezer Baptist Church Bell Choir
Ebenezer Baptist Church Praise/Liturgical Dance