Fri 7/15 @ 7-10PM
Sat 7/16 @ 11AM-9PM
Sun 7/17 @ noon-9PM
The annual African-American Festival at Akron’s downtown Lock 3 Live should have a lot of older folks dancing on the lawn and recalling their youth. The three-night event revolves around classic soul music. On Saturday night, the headliner is Robert T the Real Soul Pleaser (pictured), whose tribute act evokes the legendary “hardest working man in show business” James Brown. The J. Saxx Band featuring Rob Cunningham opens with their fusion jazz.
The following night Atlanta-based ’80s funk hitmakers the SOS Band headline, bringing back the synth-drenched R&B sound of that era when they had hits such as “Take Your Time (Do It Right)” and “Just Be Good to Me.” They’ll evoke lots of memories.
The festival kicks off on Friday with African food and drum performances and music by DJ Wizzdom throughout the weekend. Saturday is Youth Family Day when there will be a youth talent show as well as performances by Cleveland Djapo Cultural Arts Institute. Sunday features an African marketplace, drum making workshop, health screenings and a chess tournament from 2-4pm. Friday and Saturday are free; Sunday is free until 5pm and $10 for the evening performance by the SOS Band.