Live Nation Urban has partnered with Jesse Collins Entertainment for this year’s Juneteenth holiday to take the celebration of the 157th anniversary of Black American Independence to the Hollywood Bowl stage with an all-Black celebrity lineup.
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The slate of prominent Black celebrity artists includes Billy Porter, Earth, Wind & Fire, Anthony Hamilton, Mickey Guyton, JhenĂ© Aiko, Lucky Daye, Mary Mary, Michelle Williams, Killer Mike, Debbie Allen Dance Academy, Robert Glasper, and The Roots. And, for the first time, The Re-Collective Orchestra, a 68-piece all-Black orchestra, will take the stage and will be conducted by Derrick Hodge and the Hollywood Bowl’s Principal Conductor Tomas Wilkins. Furthermore, Questlove and Adam Blackstone will be the musical directors.
“This is the most important event we’ve ever produced at Live Nation Urban,” the President of Live Nation Urban, Shawn Gee, said in a statement. “It’s a moment to celebrate and reflect on black independence and the black experience. It’s also a moment to raise awareness and shine light on the miles we still need to travel to true equity. We hope to see each of you there.” Gee also claimed that the celebration “promises to be an unforgettable celebration of Black culture and excellence brought to life and powered by Black creators.”
The event will also be live-streamed by CNN to educate America and those who refuse to acknowledge the importance of the holiday for Black Americans and the entire country.
“We knew it was important to our country and important to our audiences to shed light on the meaning and significance of Juneteenth,” Johnita Due, senior vice president and chief diversity, equity, and inclusion officer for CNN, told the outlet. “And not only as an historic event but really as a way to engage and educate people about what still needs to happen for all of us to achieve freedom and justice.”
Tickets are available to purchase online. The live stream of the celebration will begin on June 19, at 8 p.m.
