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Juneteenth Entertainment

Category: Event Calendar

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2026 Downtown Akron Juneteenth Entertainment Schedule*

Lock 3 • Maynard Performance Pavilion 

2:00 pm • Welcome Remarks with emcee Ace Epps

2:05 pm • Embracing UR Journey libation drum call & dance

2:10 pm • Choir performance "Lift Every Voice"

2:25 pm • Donna Willingham: Cleveland Association of Black Storytellers

3:00 pm • Saxy Rob (live music)

3:35 pm • Drum Call with Embracing Ur Journey

4:10 pm • History of Juneteenth presentation

4:25 pm • Divine 9 Group Stroll

4:45 pm • JustUs Line Dance Crew

5:50 pm • DJ Vinnie G (live music)

6:30 - 7:10 pm • Jeremy Seeden (live music)

7:20 - 8:00 pm • Jeremy Seeden (live music)

*schedule subject to change


About the Cleveland Association of Black Storytellers

The Cleveland Association of Black Storytellers, Inc. is a non-profit cultural organization dedicated to the preservation and proliferation of the African Oral Tradition. As such we serve a broad community base as performance artists, workshop facilitators, artists-in-residence, teaching artists and educators, with the African Oral Tradition always as the platform.

Our mission has called us to audiences from preschool-aged to senior citizens, and we provide valuable cultural, artistic and educational supports to schools, colleges and universities, nursing and adult daycare facilities, corporate businesses, as well as other arts and cultural organizations.

We share our love of the African Oral Tradition and our understanding that it is at the root of Black storytelling throughout the diaspora.

About DJ Vinnie G

DJ Vinnie G is one of the most in-demand DJ’s in Ohio. With over 20 years of experience dj’ing, recording, producing, and performing music, he specializes in curating custom musical soundscapes to make your event completely unique and totally special! An avid record collector and recording artist, DJ Vinnie G’s extraordinary passion for music carries over into each DJ set and he is guaranteed to set the dance floor on fire!

About Saxy Rob

Born and raised in Canton, Ohio, Rob Thompson has built one of the most in-demand live entertainment experiences in the region. Inspired by a family of musicians, he developed a distinct love for all genres of music and the ability to translate that by way of saxophone. He has performed live and in the studio alongside former Eagles drummer Joe Vitale Sr., Muddy Waters Jr., Funky Leroy Harper Jr. of the James Brown Band, and Elec Simon of the Broadway production Stomp. He has headlined Carnegie Music Hall, the House of Blues, and the Pro Football Hall of Fame Festival. Featured in the Canton Repository and Akron Beacon Journal. Rob is not just a saxophonist. He is an exceptional entertainer whose ultimate goal is to make sure every single person in the room has the time of their life.

About Embracing UR Journey

Embracing Ur Journey has enriched multiple Juneteenth celebrations and those alike with music, dance, and culture, fostering a sense of community and well-being, and leaving attendees feeling uplifted and fulfilled.  When we aren't facilitating a workshop, we enjoy engaging the community in this way, reaching masses to share love and creative expression. 

About JustUs Line Dance Crew

We are a "Just" Cause Organization created to promote Healthy Living and Awareness through the Exciting Avenue of Line Dancing! Join JustUs Line Dance Crew every week on Cascade Plaza in downtown Akron, on Wednesdays from 5:30 - 6:30 pm and Sundays from 3 - 4 pm, from May 20 - September 2. Find out more.

About Jeremy Seeden

Jeremy Seeden is a creative artist, photographer, and performer based in Northeast Ohio. Inspired by classic and modern R&B, his performances blend soulful vocals, storytelling, and smooth energy to create memorable experiences that connect with audiences. Passionate about culture, creativity, and community, Jeremy brings authenticity and heart to every stage he steps on.