by Eva Shaw
The 27th annual Henry Street Festival rocked Elmwood Park on Saturday Sept.17 with a variety of Soul, Jazz, R & B, Gospel, a taste of Roanoke’s own symphony and several local bands as well as the Roanoke’s Got Talent showcase.
The day was truly one for the books (weather-wise) as attendants browsed through the venders offering a range of Afrocentric clothing, artifacts and everybody’s favorite, soul food–the likes of which no Henry Street Festival can exist without.
Many will attest to there being simply no substitute to the fried fish found at functions of this sort and it, along with an assortment of other favorites, were all so scrumptiously abundant thanks to the vendors lined up on Jefferson Street.
Groups, businesses and organizations as AARP and the NAACP were out in force in addition to several local sororities. All collectively contributed to this special day.
The Roanoke’s Got Talent segment featured impressive performances from several local vocalists who boldly went up against the entire Pilgrim Baptist Church Choir.
After votes by audience applause, soloists Shaquawna Carr, rose victorious over Amanda Glenn (2nd place) and Nycki Merrit (3rd place).
This year’s featured acts included; Will Traxx, BJ the Chicago Kid, Kindred the Family Soul and the one ALL the ladies were waiting for, headliner Jon B.
Opening act for the evening showcase was Will Traxx warming up the crowd with his east coast party anthem song “Foot Work,” and that’s just what the crowd did as they showed off their foot work.
BJ the Chicago Kid entered the stage shouting, “I was born in Chi-town!” The Southside, Chicago native is son of a church choir director. He said the last time he was in Roanoke was when he opened for Anthony Hamilton, also at the Henry Street Festival.
The “Kid” moved to Los Angeles and became a backup singer for Mary, Mary and has written for a mix of R & B and Gospel artist including Kindred the Family Soul who just so happened to be the following act performing that night.
“Kindred the Family Soul” is a husband and wife duo who was nominated for a Soul Train Music Award for Best R&B/Soul Album. Known for their hit “Far Away from Here.” they had the crowd swaying from side to side with cellphones glowing to display a twinkling effect. They sang a song from their new album that will surely be a hit entitled “All My People.”
Before there was a Justin Timberlake or a Robin Thicke, there was Jon B! Jon B is a Gold and Platinum recording artist who soothes and croons the ladies with his lyrics, voice, and dance moves.
Jon B was signed by “Baby Face” Edmonds early in his career and worked with other great artist like, Luther Vandross, Toni Braxton, and Faith Evans, to name a few. He performed several of his hits including; Pretty Girls, Someone to Love (“for the hatters” he said), Don’t Listen to What People Say and a song he did with the legendary Rap artist 2Pac, Are You Still Down and others. He too has a new album coming out entitled “Hurricane” on his own record Label.
The festival is the largest fundraiser for the Harrison Museum which continues its legacy of providing quality and enriching events that highlight the culture and promote the spirit of the African American experience.
