Special to the New Journal and Guide
This June will mark the fifth year that Juneteenth has been recognized as a national holiday. As calendars fill up with cultural festivals and celebratory events, a first-of-its-kind Juneteenth festival is set to premiere on the Virginia Beach Oceanfront this summer with headliners Keke Wyatt and Vivian Green featuring appearances from Aliah Sheffield and Butcher Brown. Jazzteenth, the only Juneteenth celebration in Virginia Beach endorsed by the City, will take place Saturday, June 20. It is free and open to the public.
Jazzteenth brings the worlds of jazz, R&B, cultural arts, and community-centered programming to the area. Taking place on the 24th Street stage, its emphasis on jazz and R&B music makes it the first festival of its kind to debut on the Virginia Beach Oceanfront. When asked why he chose to amplify the genre, George “G-Man” Waters, the event’s producer, said he aims to provide a distinct experience for the Hampton Roads area that speaks to the heart of Juneteenth.
“We didn’t want this to be like other Juneteenth events,” Waters said. “We want to celebrate what Juneteenth is really about.”…