A number of musical talents will help Odessans celebrate 2018’s Juneteenth Celebration scheduled June 15-19 at Woodson Park, 1020 E. Murphy St.
Sponsored by the Black Cultural Council of Odessa (BCCO) the event celebrates the annual “Celebration of Freedom,” which is the day when Texas slaves finally learned of their emancipation.
Headlining the Saturday night 9:30 p.m. show is Lil Nate and the Zydeco Big Timers Band.
His website (nathanwilliamsjr.com) details his rise in the Zydeco world. In 2002, at age 14, Lil Nate was a freshman at Lafayette’s Northside High School when he recorded his first studio album project with the Big Timers, “Zydeco Ballin.”
He followed up with “Doin’ It Big Time” and charted several radio hits including “That L’argent,” an English and Creole dance tune about the pitfalls of money.
Over the years, Lil Nate has opened up concerts for many national recording artists such as Keith Sweat, Tank, New Edition, Dru Hill and others.
The following events have been scheduled at Woodson Park (unless otherwise stated).
June 15: 3 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., “Blues” by DJ Blue Boy and DJ B. Reed at the Main Stage; 6 p.m. to 9 p.m., 38th annual Danny R. Wright Basketball Tournament and the Boys & Girls High School and Youth Divisions Basketball Tournament at the Odessa College Sports Center, 201 W. University Blvd.; 7:30 p.m. to 9 p.m., Annual Juneteenth Pageant at Blackshear Elementary Auditorium, 501 S. Dixie Blvd.; 9 p.m. to 9:30 p.m., Annual Welcome Program at the Main Stage; 9:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m., performance by saxophonist Chris Mitchell at the Main Stage; 10:30 p.m. to 11:30 p.m., performance by N’Tense featuring Sean G. at the Main Stage; Youth Dance (south end of park).
June 16: 9 a.m. to noon, Youth in the Park (games) at the North Pavilion; 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., 38th annual Danny R. Wright Basketball Tournament and the Boys & Girls High School and Youth Divisions Basketball Tournament at the Odessa College Sports Center; noon to 1:30 p.m., Annual Juneteenth Cookout (bring lawn chairs); 3 p.m. to 7 p.m., “Blues” by DJ Blue Boy and DJ B. Reed at the Main Stage; 7 p.m. to 8 p.m., parade line up (no entry fee) at the intersection of Odessa Street and South Dixie Boulevard; 8 p.m. to 9 p.m., 2018 Juneteenth Parade (Route: North on Dixie Boulevard to Murphy Street, turn right on Murphy Street and go east to Barrett Dive and disband.); 9 p.m. to 9:30 p.m., parade winners announced at the Main Stage (first place, $300; second place, $200; third place, $100); 9:30 p.m. to 11:30 p.m., performance by Lil’ Nathan and The Zydeco Big Timer Band at the Main Stage; Youth Dance (south end of park).
June 17: 1 p.m., Age 35 & Older Legends Basketball Tournament at the Woodson Boys & Girls Club, 1037 E. Murphy St.; 3:30 p.m. to 6 p.m., Sewell Gospel Celebration at Blackshear Auditorium; 6 p.m. to 7 p.m., Clean Comedy Clinic, Inc. presents Sister Cantaloupe at Blackshear Auditorium; 7 p.m. to 9 p.m., “Blues” by DJ Blue Boy and DJ B. Reed at the Main Stage; 9 p.m. to 11 p.m., performances by local rappers at the Main Stage; Youth Dance (south end of park).
June 19: 9 a.m. to noon, Youth in the Park (games) at the North Pavilion; noon to 1:30 p.m., Annual Juneteenth Picnic (bring lawn chairs); noon to 4 p.m., Health Fair at the Main Stage; 7 p.m. to 8 p.m., Shout Cheerleading at the Main Stage; 8 p.m. to 11 p.m., performance by Mark Lyon’s True to Soul Band at the Main Stage.
There will be more than 25 food vendors available at the park throughout the weekend.
In preparation of the event, t-shirts will be sold from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. today through Saturday at Woodson Park. Prices range from $15 to $18, depending on size.
For more information, call 305-0369 or visit www.odessabcc.org.
- What: Lil Nate and the Zydeco Big Timers Band in concert.
- When: 9:30 p.m. to 11:30 p.m. June 16.
- Where: Woodson Park’s Main Stage.
- Tickets: visit Odessa.bcc.org for a full schedule of events.
- A day to honor when Texas slaves finally learned of their emancipation.
