Lincoln City marks Juneteenth
Jazz, soul, blues and gospel come together in celebration of freedom when the Lorna Baxter Septet performs a special Juneteenth concert at the Lincoln City Cultural Center this Saturday, June 20.
Presented as part of the cultural center's Juneteenth observance, the free afternoon concert honors the holiday's themes of freedom, resilience and cultural heritage through music rooted in the African American experience.
Led by acclaimed vocalist Lorna Baxter, the septet blends jazz standards, blues classics, gospel influences and soul favorites into a performance designed to celebrate both history and hope. Known throughout the Pacific Northwest for her expressive voice and engaging stage presence, Baxter will be joined by guitarist and vocalist Kenny Graves, bassist Dan Davis, saxophonist Brooks Brown, trumpeter Mitchell Nelson, trombonist Monte Skillings and drummer Chris Ingold.
“Lorna Baxter's performances are filled with heart, energy and a deep appreciation for the traditions that inspire her music,” said Lincoln City Cultural Center Program Director Jason Corso. “This concert offers a meaningful way for our community to come together and celebrate Juneteenth through the universal language of music.”
The concert is sponsored by the Music Performance Trust Fund, a nonprofit organization dedicated to bringing free live music performances to communities throughout the United States and Canada.
Saturday's concert begins at 3 pm at the Lincoln City Cultural Center, located at 540 NE Hwy 101. No tickets or reservations are required, though guests are encouraged to arrive early for seating. For more information, go to lincolncity-culturalcenter.org or call 541-994-9994.
• Juneteenth celebrations begin a day earlier at the Lincoln City Community Center, where free admission will be offered Friday, June 19, from 1 to 5 pm. Visitors can enjoy swimming, the climbing wall, basketball and other activities. Beginning at 5 pm, Jimi Hardin and Motown Soul will provide live music, with barbecue available from Pat E Mac's.