Jazz Ensemble Featured at Juneteenth Celebration

photo courtesy A Sign of the Times

“A Sign of the Times” jazz ensemble will perform at Ridgeview Community’s Juneteenth Celebration on Saturday, June 17 th at 1:00 p.m. The performance is part of the daylong event at Ridgeview Recreation Center and is sponsored by Ridgeview Branch Library. The performance and all events are free and open to the public.

“A Sign of the Times” is a swinging band that plays original compositions, jazz and R&B standards. Based in Charlotte and comprised of some of the area’s best musicians, the band has performed throughout the Carolinas, Georgia and Maryland. They are known for their classy presentations and signature arrangements of anything from jazz and bebop to classic R&B and Salsa music.

Director, trombonist Tyrone Jefferson, is the former music director for the Godfather of Soul, James Brown and performed or recorded with Slide Hampton, Regina Carter, Maceo Parker, Donald Harrison, Carla Cook, and The Manhattans. Jefferson formed “A Sing of the Times” in 1999.

Juneteenth is the oldest known celebration of the ending of slavery. From its Galveston, Texas origin in 1865, the observance of June 19 th as the African American Emancipation Day has spread across the United States and beyond and was coined "Juneteenth". Today Juneteenth commemorates African American freedom and emphasizes education and achievement. It is a day marked with celebrations, guest speakers, picnics and family gatherings.

Hickory’s Juneteenth celebration includes events and food for children and adults, with “A Sign of the Times” capping off the festivities.

For information call Ridgeview Branch Library at 345-6037.