The Iowa Juneteenth Observance finale, “Neighbors Day”, is scheduled to take place in the expansive Evelyn Davis Park, located at 14th and Forest Ave. in Des Moines, on June 18, from noon to 7:00 pm.
The feature of this year’s event is the Blues Heritage Concert, which is focusing on bringing the blues genre to younger generations. Since African Americans are credited with creating the blues genre, there is a special outreach to African American youth to enroll in blues studies programs and maintain their musical heritage.
The Central Iowa Blues Society is working in cooperation with the Iowa Juneteenth Observance to put on the Blues Heritage Concert. Following the opening performance by the gospel group “Overflow”, the blues line-up will consist of some of Iowa’s finest blues musicians such as “Sumpin’ Doo” (featuring Iowa Blues Hall of Fame brothers, George and Gilbert Davis), “Steve E. George (Blues Hall of Fame vocalist) & the Bob Pace Band”, and “Kevin ‘BF’ Burt & Big Medicine”.
Blues master musicians and brothers, George and Gilbert Davis, will receive the Iowa Juneteenth Observance’ s “Blues Legacy Award” for their contribution to the Blues genre. We encourage all family, friends, and fans of George and Gilbert come out to witness their award presentation on Saturday, June 18 at Evelyn Davis Park.
Neighbors Day and the Blues Heritage Concert are open to the public and admission is free. Bring the family and enjoy a day of great entertainment, food, and exhibits. Visit www.iowajuneteenth.org for additional details about the 2011 Iowa Juneteenth Observance activities.
