Experience the power of jazz, history, and Black Movements with this celebration of Juneteenth and jazz! Immerse yourself in a diversity of jazz ensembles, get active in workshops, and learn from speakers on jazz and Juneteenth through this virtual festival. Among many local jazz ensembles, we will feature one of the top bass players in the world of jazz, Nat Reeves as well as acclaimed vibraphonist Warren Wolf. We will also hear about Juneteenth from powerhouse speakers Dr. Bobbi Green of the NAACP, Roy Collins, General Counsel of New Mexico State University, and Debra Alexander, Special Government Expert in Diversity, Equity and Inclusion. This event is organized by the Branigan Cultural Center with New Mexico Music Commissioner and jazz musician Derrick Lee as well as Filmmaker, Hip Hop Artist, and Educator Julian Alexander. The events will take place fully online and can be accessed at: https://rebrand.ly/JuneteenthJazz.
Friday, June 18
3 p.m. Opening featuring Dr. Green, President of NAACP
3:30 - 5 p.m. Jazz Ensembles
5:30 p.m. Juneteenth History and Black Movements Roundtable
7:30 p.m. Friday Night Open Mic Jam
You can register to perform at the Friday Night Open Mic Jam by emailing kmyers@las-cruces.org. Performances can range from music, to poetry, to dance. Participation is at the discretion of the Las Cruces Museum System. Registration closes June 11.
Saturday, June 19
10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Activity Kit Pick-Up
Kit pick-up will be outside the Branigan Cultural Center Courtyard at the Main Street entrance. The kits will be given out on a first-come-first-serve basis. Kits will contain an activity for youth and information on artists in the festival and Juneteenth History.
10 - 11 a.m. Jazz Ensembles
11 a.m. Rhythm and Drumming Workshop with Derrick Lee
12:30 p.m. Jazz Ensemble
2 p.m. Nat Reeves Keynote
4 p.m. Improv Workshop with Julian Alexander
6 p.m. Warren Wolf Jazz Performance
6:30 p.m. Closing Circle
The Branigan Cultural Center is located at 501 N. Main Street and is accessible from RoadRUNNER Transit Route 1 Stop 36. The Branigan Cultural Center will be closed for construction through June, 2021. For up-to-date information on museum reopening, virtual programming, and more, visit the website at: http://www.las-cruces.org/museums or follow us on Facebook and Instagram @LCMuseums.