Juneteenth Concert – RSVP
Thu, Jun 19, 2025, 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm ET
1 Fenwick Road
1 Fenwick Road
Fort Monroe, Virginia 23651, United States (US)
About the Event
VBFF JUNETEENTH CONCERT
Thursday, June 19th
6pm – 8pm
Continental Park Bandstand
20 Ingalls Road
Fort Monroe, VA
Featuring:
1.Violin Performance by Melanie The Violinist
Melanie is also the owner of Melanie Bates Consulting, LLC, a strategic policy and communications firm with an overall focus on criminal justice reform. She earned a Bachelor of Science in Marketing from Hampton University and a Juris Doctor from North Carolina Central University School of Law.
- Drum & Dance performance by The Day Program
The DAY Program Performance Ensemble, led by the accomplished Kam Kelly, brings the vibrant traditions of Guinea, West Africa, directly to your gathering. From mesmerizing drumming to high-energy dance performances, we tailor every experience to meet the unique needs of your event—whether intimate or grand.
- Hip Hop performance by Night Train357
Stephen “Night Train 357” Wilkes is a creative emcee that enjoys infusing wordplay with unique subject matter not often touched upon in the Hip-Hop community. Night Train 357 (Train) is the representative for the everyman. Not hood, nor rich – he’s in the middle, trying to make it through this world like everyone else. He tells stories with a twist, constantly reminding the listener how the average can become above average. He’s a breath of fresh air, a change from the mundane, and the cure for the common cool.
- Blues performance by Bobby Blackhat
Bobby BlackHat, Virginia’s Blues Ambassador, blends the influences of Chicago, Memphis, Piedmont, and Delta style blues along with a little Gospel into a Toe Tappin’, Finger Poppin’, Hip Shakin’ Blues experience. You Never Know What’s Gonna Happen at a Bobby BlackHat Show!
Bobby BlackHat, Virginia’s Blues Ambassador, award winning recording artist, harmonica player, vocalist, songwriter, comedian, producer has been playing harmonica for over 50 years. Bobby is a retired U.S. Coast Guard Commander with 27 years of distinguished service which included serving as Military Aide to the President and being awarded the Coast Guard Medal for Heroism.
Location
1 Fenwick Road
1 Fenwick Road
Fort Monroe, Virginia 23651, United States (US)
Date and Time
Thu, Jun 19, 2025, 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm ET
Sales Ended
Organizer
Virginia Black Film Festival
The Virginia Black Film Festival celebrates its second year as a partnership with the City of Hampton with over 60 films in competition, accomplished guest speakers, and a co-located Black Business Expo designed to all designed to make Black filmmakers and Black entrepreneurs more visible and accessible to the community and to each other. VBFF is a family-friendly community event with several events which are free and open to the public, including a Juneteenth Beach Party (Paradise Ocean Club) a Juneteenth Concert, a Black Business Expo and other networking events. Proceeds from this year’s event support scholarships for HBCU students through the Black Arts Foundation (501c3) which has established a $50K scholarship endowment for Hampton University Students in the Arts.
In addition to the over 60 films in competition, VBFF will host the world premiere of the action movie “Blowback” starring acclaimed actor Clifton Powell, NAACP Image Award nominee and recipient of the Lifetime Achievement Award for last year’s VBFF. The film can only be seen in festivals until August when Imani Films / Maverick Entertainment will release it on major nationwide platforms such as Peacock, Apple TV +, Tubi, Pluto, and others. VBFF will also host special screenings for films uniquely aligned to our mission. “Wade in the Water” by Cathleen Dean explores the complex history of segregated beaches in America. “The Decision” by Morgan Avery McCoy explores the origins of Hampton University and the critical decision to attend and HBCU.
The VBFF 2025 Visionary Award recipient is media mogul BK Fulton, CEO of Soulidifly Productions and original founder of the Moviepass. The award recognizes exceptional accomplishments in both art and business. The 2025 VBFF Lifetime Achievement Award recipient is actor and film director Tim Reid, best known for his roles in Frank’s Place, That ‘70s Show, Sister Sister, Simon & Simon, and WKRP in Cincinnati. Other distinguished speakers include Grant Housley (Paramount Pictures), Bill Stephney (Boomerang, Do the Right Thing), Trent Garrett and Jacob Young (Next Generation Storytellers), Fatima Cortez Todd (widow of the late Tony Todd), Ebonee Pope (Enjenuity Media), Dr. Karen Ward, Dr. Debra Haggins (Hampton University), and film professor Rel Dowdell (Hampton University). VBFF founder, actor and director Bryan G Thompson will discuss the evolution of his Hampton-based film company Imani Films, which has produced over a dozen successful films in association with media giant Maverick Entertainment, including the romantic comedy “Valentine’s Date”. Maverick Entertainment will evaluate the films at VBFF 2025 for potential distribution deals.
Organizer
Virginia Black Film Festival
The Virginia Black Film Festival celebrates its second year as a partnership with the City of Hampton with over 60 films in competition, accomplished guest speakers, and a co-located Black Business Expo designed to all designed to make Black filmmakers and Black entrepreneurs more visible and accessible to the community and to each other. VBFF is a family-friendly community event with several events which are free and open to the public, including a Juneteenth Beach Party (Paradise Ocean Club) a Juneteenth Concert, a Black Business Expo and other networking events. Proceeds from this year’s event support scholarships for HBCU students through the Black Arts Foundation (501c3) which has established a $50K scholarship endowment for Hampton University Students in the Arts.
In addition to the over 60 films in competition, VBFF will host the world premiere of the action movie “Blowback” starring acclaimed actor Clifton Powell, NAACP Image Award nominee and recipient of the Lifetime Achievement Award for last year’s VBFF. The film can only be seen in festivals until August when Imani Films / Maverick Entertainment will release it on major nationwide platforms such as Peacock, Apple TV +, Tubi, Pluto, and others. VBFF will also host special screenings for films uniquely aligned to our mission. “Wade in the Water” by Cathleen Dean explores the complex history of segregated beaches in America. “The Decision” by Morgan Avery McCoy explores the origins of Hampton University and the critical decision to attend and HBCU.
The VBFF 2025 Visionary Award recipient is media mogul BK Fulton, CEO of Soulidifly Productions and original founder of the Moviepass. The award recognizes exceptional accomplishments in both art and business. The 2025 VBFF Lifetime Achievement Award recipient is actor and film director Tim Reid, best known for his roles in Frank’s Place, That ‘70s Show, Sister Sister, Simon & Simon, and WKRP in Cincinnati. Other distinguished speakers include Grant Housley (Paramount Pictures), Bill Stephney (Boomerang, Do the Right Thing), Trent Garrett and Jacob Young (Next Generation Storytellers), Fatima Cortez Todd (widow of the late Tony Todd), Ebonee Pope (Enjenuity Media), Dr. Karen Ward, Dr. Debra Haggins (Hampton University), and film professor Rel Dowdell (Hampton University). VBFF founder, actor and director Bryan G Thompson will discuss the evolution of his Hampton-based film company Imani Films, which has produced over a dozen successful films in association with media giant Maverick Entertainment, including the romantic comedy “Valentine’s Date”. Maverick Entertainment will evaluate the films at VBFF 2025 for potential distribution deals.
