From Motown to Baytown, this weekend’s celebration of freedom is going to be one you can’t miss. The award-winning Parks and Recreation Department is bringing Rock and Roll Hall of Famers, The Four Tops, to the Bicentennial Park stage for the City’s second-ever Juneteenth Celebration.
District 3 Councilman Charles Johnson was part of the Juneteenth Committee that has been working on this concert since last year’s inaugural event. He said, “June 18th is truly a day of freedom that officially signifies the beginning of equality for all men and women. We are trying to highlight what the Emancipation Proclamation stands for. It gave African Americans social, political, financial, and legal freedoms. We want to honor that while having fun and creating memories with the entire community.”
This free concert, that begins at 4pm, will also feature the Mambo Jazz Kings and Piano Vibes. In addition to the good music, there will also be food, games, art vendors and more.
Clifford Hatch, Director of Parks and Recreation said, “Events of this size take a collaborative team effort from all city departments. We are happy to play a role on a team that can provide so many memories for our residents and guests.”
While there will be a lot of entertainment, it will also be a time to reflect on the importance of the holiday. The City will also be recognizing those who attended the historic Carver High School.
Johnson said, “Carver was the first public school in the area where black children from Baytown, McNair, La Porte, and other communities could get a quality education. Not all of them were able to graduate because of work and other challenges. They made it through segregation and desegregation. We wanted to take this opportunity to recognize every Carver student for what they endured to give us the benefits we have today, while enjoying some of the music they did during the 1960s.”
The Four Tops will be bringing hits like “I Can’t Help Myself (Sugar Pie Honey Bunch), ”Reach Out (I’ll Be There),” and “It’s the Same Old Song.” How could you miss this celebration of history and freedom?
Johnson said, “We made it a point to hit all ages and cultures. The Four Tops, Mambo Jazz Kings and Piano Vibes do that in different and unique ways.”
Hatch said, “Our department is excited to work with Councilman Johnson and the Juneteenth Committee to bring a musical act with as many hits as the Four Tops. We invite everyone out to Bicentennial Park to celebrate this is event free of charge.”
The evening will wrap up with a Fireworks show that you have to stay to see. After this concert, the Parks and Recreation Department will be focused on Baytown’s 4th of July Celebration on July 3rd and 4th, featuring music from Vanilla Ice, The Band Perry, and other artists. For a list of this these events and more, check out the just released Summer-Fall 2022 Baytown Voice Activity Guide.