The 2nd Street Festival will mark its 32nd anniversary on
Oct. 3-4 with online events to celebrate the Jackson Ward community featuring musical performances, cooking demos, virtual tours and family activities.
Presented by Venture Richmond Events, the events include a remembrance of the great local pianist “Debo” Dabney as well as performances by Go-Go faves EU and local singer Desirée Roots.
The organizers issued a press release today that includes the schedule below:
Saturday, Oct. 3 from 6:00 – 7:15 p.m.
Legacy Band – Performance with a mix of soul, R&B, funk and jazz. The band was originally formed by guitarist Jose Pomier and vocalist Kaila Valdez.
EU (Experience Unlimited) – A favorite past performance from the 2019 festival headliner. EU is one of the original Washington, DC Go-Go bands, fronted by founding member Gregory “Sugar Bear” Elliott.
Sports Backers Fitness Warriors and D & G Line Dancing – Fun new dance workouts with Sports Backers and D&G Line Dancing and great instructors.
Sunday, Oct. 4 from 5:00 – 6:15 p.m.
Desirée Roots – New jazz favorites. “As a theater and jazz sensation, she has been the opening act for several internationally acclaimed jazz music entertainers throughout her career. Her repertoire includes R&B and gospel.”
Remembrance of Debo Dabney – “Listen as local musicians and friends including J. Plunky Branch, Glennroy Bailey, Desirée Roots, and more share their reflections of Herbert A. Dabney, III, a dynamic and animated pianist who passed away earlier this year. Affectionately known as “Debo,” he was a beloved friend of the festival and an all-around fan favorite. His repertoire ranged from jazz, gospel, R&B, swing, blues and children’s classics. Debo performed for 31 of the festival’s 32 years.”
Virginia Union University Gospel Choir – “Sing, clap or hum along with the university’s gospel choir as they perform two new selections. This choir recently performed on ABC’s ‘Good Morning America’ with Latin musician Jose Feliciano.”
Virtual Festival Activities
Cooking Demonstrations
“Chefs from popular 2nd Street Festival vendors, Croaker’s Spot and Chef MaMusu of Africanne on Main, will both prepare and share dishes through culinary demonstrations live-streamed directly into homes to capture the same delicious foods that we’ve all come to expect from the 2nd Street Festival.”
Kidz Zone Fun
“Young viewers will enjoy story time with Candice Smith of NBC12 News and with the Children’s Museum, and a balloon twisting demonstration by festival favorite Eddie Cook with Balloons By Extreme.”
Spotlight on Jackson Ward
“Gary Flowers of Walking the Ward Tours visits two popular community sites, the Maggie L. Walker statue and Sixth Mount Zion Baptist Church. Also, hear remembrances from longtime residents and business owners of Jackson Ward during the live stream event.”
