In addition to this year’s massive Juneteenth concert, which occupies Welton Street in Five Points through Saturday, June 18, Sunday, June 19, Colorado’s Front Range will mark the newly anointed federal and historically black holiday. which began in 1865 as a Texas-based celebration of the end of slavery.
Here are some things to keep in mind when planning your calendar.
Denver dance legend Cleo Parker Robinson And her world-class ensemble and school will host a Juneteenth festival this weekend at her Five Points Theater, which will premiere read by acclaimed poet Nikki Giovanni in collaboration with the CRPD. Friday, June 17, includes an evening jazz concert with Giovanni and Jevon Jackson, while Saturday, June 18, brings a daytime panel, poetry and dance performances with a keynote by Giovanni. $30 per day, or $75 for VIP tickets. 119 Park Ave West. 303-295-1759 or cleoparkerdance.org
C Film Center of Denver Film On Sunday, June 19, Cleo Parker is hosting a Juneteenth Cinema Festival with Robinson Dance, featuring “Space Jam: A New Legacy” (10 a.m.), “The Wiz” (12:30 p.m.) and “Amazing Grace”. Screening is included. :15 pm). Produced by Denver’s own Derrick Hodge, there will also be a free livestream of the “Juneth: A Global Celebration of Freedom” concert live from the Hollywood Bowl at 5:30 p.m. Tickets are $5 each, and the livestream is (again) free to attend. 2510 E. Colfax Ave. in Denver. 720-381-0813 or denverfilm.org
Black Pride Colorado’s Juneteenth Celebration Back with a new strong slate of activities to celebrate the state’s long underrepresented black LGBTQ community. From a family-friendly “queer cookout” to an all-black-cast drag show featuring guests from “RuPaul’s Drag Race” (including Denver winner Yvie Oddly), according to Youth Scene’s Tara Jay. Also returning this year is “The Strange Fruit of Black Excellence” gala, which complements charitable events such as evenings with author and mental health campaigner Nick Stone—in collaboration with Empower Community High School itself. It takes place in Rocky Mountain Public Media and a percentage of the proceeds goes back to the Empower High School student group. For a complete list of times, locations and ticket details visit blackpridedenver.com.
Lawn at Foothills Mall June 17th will host an opening night Junethin concert, followed by a variety of events on June 18-19, including a family bike ride, children’s music workshops, games and games, live music, dance, fine arts, health and wellness. Contains wellness pop-ups. Food trucks and more. All events are free minus 5K, which require registration and a fee. 215 E. Foothills Parkway at Fort Collins. 970-226-5555 or focojuneteenth.com
NAACP Boulder County And the executive committee, the African American Cultural Program, will hold its second Boulder County Juneteenth ceremony, which began with a flag-raising ceremony on June 16, and will continue through Friday, June 17. On Saturday, June 18, they add a youth arts workshop (in Longmont), and on Sunday, June 19, a marquee outdoor community festival with Congressman Joe Negues in Roosevelt Park (700 Longs Peak Ave.). They will also present the Celebration of Black Excellence with local students at Boulder High School, 1604 Arapahoe Avenue at 1-2 p.m. Register at eventbrite.com.
Denver Jazz Club Dazzle On Sunday, June 19, Purnell will host its annual Juneteenth show with performances from Stein and the Five Points Ambassador. The grand performance will run at 5 p.m. ($25) and 7:30 p.m. ($30), and tickets are available for either. dazzledenver.com. Blues-oriented hard bop music is basically a swing genre, the organizers said, and Denver’s own Myra Warren will complement the ensemble. Like a comedy club, a minimum purchase of $20 is required. 1512 Curtis St., 303-839-5100
Fine Arts Center at Colorado College On Friday, June 17, Colorado Springs hosts a Juneteenth-themed “endangered” performance and multimedia art exhibit at the Fine Arts Center — called ‘Floyd D. Tunson: Hearts and Minds” is billed as “an intimate site-specific (show).” Exhibition” ($20 for a ticket). On Saturday, June 18, the “endangered” immersive event moves to Armstrong Hall for a full concert presentation, organizers said ($15). 30 W Del St. in Colorado Springs. 719-634-5581 or fac.coloradocollege.edu
The Rock and Roll Playhouse The Family Concert Series will celebrate both Juneteenth and Father’s Day on Sunday, June 19, with an affordable ($17.50 per ticket) show at the Bluebird Theater, live music from Bob Marley (covered, of course) and more. The 11:30 p.m. show is definitely for all ages. 3317 E. Colfax Ave., 303-377-1666 or axs.com
Larimer Square The free summer concert series, Larimer Sessions, will host a free Juneteen performance on Saturday, June 18 at 6-8 p.m., with live music from IAMGRÜV, “a mix of smooth, lyrical synthesis with great drink specials, pop-ups and more.” specialty,” the organizers said in a press statement. larimersquare.com/events
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