Juneteenth Celebration 2023

Beer Garden Public Event presented by The Gilmore and Bell’s Brewery

Event time: 12-5pm

Event Admission: Free, family-friendly

Bell’s and The Gilmore are collaborating to present a Juneteenth celebration on Sunday, June 18 from 12-5PM in Bell’s Beer Garden. Come enjoy family friendly activities including lawn games, historical displays, coloring and books for kids, plus entertainment. Seneca Village, originally created by a committee of coworkers at the brewery, will also be featured on tap.

This is a FREE community event – no ticket required.

1:00-3:30 PM | DJ Disobedience presents Classically Black wsg Brandon Fitzpatrick
Enjoy a curated show of Black classical music icons and edgy emerging artists, spun by Kalamazoo’s own DJ Disobedience, along with special guest, pianist Brandon Fitzpatrick of Battle Creek’s jazz fusion band Minor Element.

As Dj Disobedience, Dr. Michelle S. Johnson writes and co-produces the podcast series Syncopate featuring Black Resorting in Southwest Michigan and Raising Hay. Host of the Slip Back Soul Show at 89.1 WIDR on Saturdays 11-1pm for 15 years before the pandemic, she co-founded and Dj’d for Fire’s one time Fire Radio and WMBM/Syncopate web stations.

4:00-5:00 PM | BLKBOK
Born and raised in Detroit, BLKBOK (born Charles Wilson III), grew up in a music-filled house, and by the time he was 8, was winning statewide accolades and competitions. Charles chose the name BLKBOK– an apt reflection of the elements that have contributed to the artist’s identity that symbolizes his colorful journey from pop and hip-hop culture to his critically acclaimed, neo-classical debut album Black Book.

BLKBOK’s live, high-energy performance is culturally reflective and seeks to entertain with a live piano-based performance like none you have ever seen before. BLKBOK’s vision is to raise awareness for all, encouraging dialogue and counterpoint in the way we perceive ourselves and the world we live in together.