Down Home Family Reunion Saturday
8/18/2014, 11:06 a.m.
Put on your dancing shoes, grab the kids and bring a hearty appetite.
It’s time for the 24th Annual Down Home Family Reunion, “a celebration of African-American folklife,” organizer Janine Bell of the Elegba Folklore Society has announced.
Free and open to the public, the heritage festival is scheduled to run from 4 to 11 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 16, in Abner Clay Park, Leigh Street and Old Brook Road in Jackson Ward.
The event will feature oldies, but goodies from headliners Ray, Goodman and Brown, known for such hits as “Special Lady,” “Look At Me I’m in Love” and “Sexy Mama.”
Billy Brown, the remaining original member, leads today’s group that includes Kevin Owens and Larry “Ice” Winfree.
Also on tap: Soulful tunes from Nathan & the Zydeco Cha-Chas, rhythmic renditions from the Proverbs Reggae Band and African dance and music from Elegba’s performers.
Richmond actor J. Ron Fleming will emcee the family-focused event that also will feature food vendors, a heritage market and crafts and games for children.
A kickoff event is scheduled for 6 to 10 p.m. Friday, Aug. 15, at the DoubleTree Hotel, 301 W. Franklin St., according to Ms. Bell.
Performers are to include Toby Foyeh & Orchestra Africa, soulful Anhayla of Norfolk, comedian Gravedigger and the Vintage R&B Musical Revue of Richmond, she has announced.
Cost: $15 for one person, $25 per couple.
Details: (804) 644-3900 or efsinc.org.
