Music, joy, and celebration — all that Juneteenth encompasses — are just a few things guests can expect when attending the upcoming 4th annual Imagination Unchained: Juneteenth Concert, according to organizers.
The annual event, which is produced by Next Weekend Productions and takes place at 8 p.m. on Friday, June 20 at the Lauderhill Performing Arts Center, is not only meant to be an evening filled with music, art, and celebration, it also serves as a way to both entertain and educate the community, says Belvit Jordan, chief executive officer of Next Weekend Productions.
Unchained 2025, shown performing with her band “Frequency” at Unity Festival 2024 in
Boynton Beach. (Photo by Eliseen Visionz)
“We all know what Juneteenth is about, and it’s important that we never forget the ugliness of slavery,” says Jordan. “But it’s just as important to look at our resilience, where we have come from, and where we are now. That is a celebration in and of itself. So, with that in mind, we set out to put on this event every year with a theme that highlights an industry that showcases our excellence or exceptionalism.”
With that, in past years, their Juneteenth experiences have focused on themes surrounding different genres of music, from celebrating 50 years of hip-hop by honoring artists who came from South Florida including many female artists who made an impact on hip-hop and in the radio industry, to celebrating the connection between reggae and R&B music with performances from artists from both genres. Jordan says there has been a decided effort to make sure to highlight a local visual artist each year with an art showcase.
As for this year’s theme, the “Imagination Unchained: Juneteenth Concert Experience” will continue its tradition of putting on a curated music and art experience, but with a focus on highlighting local artists who excel in their genres. “June also happens to be African American Music Appreciation Month, so this year we wanted to focus on these incredible artists we have right here in Broward County, like Echo Slim, who is a two-time Grammy-winning DJ and producer,” she says.
Another local Fort Lauderdale singer and songwriter, Cande Rivers, is set to perform a soulful tribute to Whitney Houston, which serves as an important performance for her in regards to celebrating Juneteenth and the power of music, according to Jordan.
For Rivers, who grew up singing in church in her hometown of Chicago, performing at the event is a way for her to give back.
“A lot of the time, when we talk about our people going through these hardships, it’s often mentioned how music is what got them through it. Music is timeless and it’s universal,” says Rivers. “So, I think by having these concerts and getting to be a part of something where we as a people get to showcase our level of excellence and put our gifts on display is impactful.”
She adds that performing at a program dedicated to celebrate and honor Juneteenth is “deeply personal and healing.”
“I know, for me, it’s extra special because I do believe music is healing, and I can attest to that because listening to Whitney Houston is what got me through my father’s passing. They both passed on the same day, and so I felt like I was meant to learn all I could about her and honor her in some way. So, this performance is meaningful to me in a lot of ways.”
In addition to musical performances, there will also be a gallery exhibit showcasing the work of Fort Lauderdale artist Dionne Polite. The Guyanese American painter’s exhibit, “Visual Art as Liberation: Centering Black Stories,” reflects her Caribbean roots, Black resilience, and the lasting impact of her father’s 2019 dementia diagnosis.
While a large part of this year’s theme of recognizing local artists, however, Jordan also wanted to recognize the importance of giving back to the community while also honoring a member of her team with the Patra Baker Tech Fund Scholarship.
“Patra Baker was one of our team members who passed away last December at only 41 years old. She was an administrator for the Broward County Parks and Recreation Department and our technician who handled all our technical needs, but she was truly my rising star. So, when she passed, I thought there had to be a way in which we could honor her while also giving back to the community that she cared about so much. That’s why we created the Patra Baker Tech Fund Scholarship,” says Jordan.
The Patra Baker Technology Scholarship seeks to support the next generation of Black creatives and will award $3,000 to be shared between two students who are currently attending after-school programs at Delevoe Park, and who will be enrolled in a trade school, technical college, college, or university in the 2025 school year.
“Patra loved her kids in the after-school program, and it just was in my heart for us to give scholarships to two of her exceptional kids. However, we decided to take it one step further and give another $1,500 to one of the students who interns with us at Next Weekend Productions,” says Jordan.
This year’s concert will be the first year for the scholarship, but they plan to continue the tradition at all future Juneteenth experiences and to present a show that uplifts all those who attend.
“There’s a reason we have more people every year telling us that our concert is the No. 1 Juneteenth concert in all of Broward County. It’s because it’s a celebration, but also one that positively impacts this community economically. Not only are we telling a good story and the truth of that story, but we are also allowing entrepreneurs and small businesses to make sales, be seen and heard, all while helping the community. That’s why we do Juneteenth,” says Jordan.
IF YOU GO
WHAT: “Imagination Unchained: Juneteenth Concert Experience”
WHERE: Lauderhill Performing Arts Center, 3800 NW 11th Place, Lauderhill
WHEN: 8 p.m., Friday, June 20
COST: $30, $50, and $75
INFORMATION: (954) 777-2055 or www.lpacfl.com
This story was produced by Broward Arts Journalism Alliance (BAJA), an independent journalism program of the Broward County Cultural Division. Visit ArtsCalendar.com for more stories about the arts in South Florida.
