Richmond native Jerome “Bigfoot” Brailey’s Funk Allstars is headlining the 29th Annual Down Home Family Reunion this weekend. The free event, hosted by the Elegba Folklore Society, will run from 4 to 11 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 17, at Abner Clay Park, Leigh Street and Brook Road in Jackson Ward.

This year’s theme: 1619-2019! And We are Here! It is a tribute to the 400 years of influence by Africans and African- Americans on America.

The event is a celebration of African-American folklife and will feature a variety of music, dance and entertainment for people of all ages. In the park, organizers are setting up the Annie Tyler New School Pavilion, where young artists are scheduled to perform; the Waverly Crawley Community Row for community

service providers to share information; and the Juanita Ragland Heritage Market, where an assortment of artists, craftspersons and vendors will have items for sale.

Food vendors also will be at the park.

Mr. Brailey, who will perform about 9:30 p.m., was a drum- mer and songwriter with Parliament-Funkadelic, co-writing such hits as “Give Up the Funk Tear the Roof Off the Sucker” with George Clinton and Bootsy Collins.

Before joining the group, the Armstrong High School alumnus was a part of the Five Stairsteps, recording the platinum single, “O-o-h Child.”

In 1997, Mr. Brailey was inducted with other members of Parliament-Funkadelic into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. Earlier this year, he and the P-Funk members were awarded a Grammy

Lifetime Achievement Award for their creative contributions to the music industry.

Additional performers include Juju from Bénin, West Africa; Jah Baba; vocalist Tasha Nicole; Full Power Blues; African dance, music and oral tradition with Elegba Folklore Society.

Exhibits, games, a moon bounce for the kids, yoga and other activities also will be featured.

Representatives of the African American Historical & Ge- nealogical Society also will be on hand to offer tips on how to do genealogical research.

While the event is free, VIP Circle tickets are available for $30 and include special seating, food and beverages.

Details: Elegba Folklore Society, (804) 644-3900 or www. efsinc.org.