by Shawn Nowlin
It is always refreshing when influential people, brands or businesses use their platform to speak on topics that affect the everyday person. That is exactly what happened on Saturday, June 20 as downtown’s Elmwood Park, hosted a one of a kind event “United We Stand Juneteenth Festival” which addressed a variety of issues including the recent church shooting in South Carolina.
“Unfortunately what often happens is a tragedy stays in the national headlines only for a few weeks until something else of interest comes along,” said Roanoke native Jackson Roberts. “Hopefully what took place at the Ebenezer AME Church in Charleston (SC) won’t be one of those situations.”
A top notch entertainment lineup took the stage to display their various talents: Trouble Funk, S.L.A.V.E, The System, Rick James Stone City Band, Grave Digger, DJ Kid Nu and of course legendary emcee Slick Rick. Open to everyone, an overwhelming African American turn out showed up for this festive occasion. When Kianna Price-Wade and the rest of her VIBE 100 family attaches their name to an event it resonates with the community. “I’ve been a Roanoke City resident since 2008 and attended just about every VIBE event….once again they did not disappoint,” said Jordan Hill. Many took advantage of the various vendors, which featured many locally owned black businesses, by gathering information and purchasing items.
All six acts on the bill gave memorable performances. By the time comedian Grave Digger took the stage around 4:00 p.m. a sizable crowd was already present. Joking about the cost of living he said, “man nowadays gas is so high they don’t even do drive by shootings anymore.” The talented comic is well known on the comedy circuit and has appeared on various shows including BET’s Comic View.
Embraced by the Star City with open arms, this event wasn’t the first time that S.L.A.V.E did Roanoke as they appeared just weeks ago at the same venue. Other groups like Trouble Funk, which formed in 1978, carved out their own unique niche over the years. The group kept the crowd actively engaged with several fan favorites.
The System charged the crowd with their trademark throbbing bass and irresistible lyrics that sent them to fame with such 1983 hits as “You Are In My System” and “I Won’t Let Go.”
Rick James was a superstar that crossed genres, but not everyone is aware of just how talented his band is. The Stone City Band’s raw and artistic approach to their craft makes them stand out among their contemporaries – a fact evident by their performance.
Legendary emcee Slick Rick was the events main draw and he was on point. Easily one of the greatest storytellers in music history, the London born musician proved without a shadow of a doubt that he still has it even at age 50. Rick’s impact on the music culture is forever cemented. Prior to the release of his debut album “Under Pressure” current rap sensation Logic was quoted saying “Slick Rick has had a huge impact on my career.”
Childish Gambino, Rapper Big Pooh, The Foreign Exchange and Slakah The Beatchild have also referenced Slick Rick as a positive influence as well. Never before and perhaps never since has a British born emcee reached the level of success as Slick Rick. He performed multiple tracks from his legendary discography: The Great Adventures of Slick Rick, The Ruler’s Back & The Art of Storytelling. Towards the end of his set Rick brought his wife of eighteen years out on stage. “If you have someone special in your life cherish that person,” he said. It’s worth noting that even despite a 40- min. period where it rained, it didn’t stop people from dancing, laughing and enjoying the festival.
