LINEUP

"Representing Somalia, Congo, Tanzania and Burundi and currently living in Burlington, Vermont, A2VT synthesize their native African musical and dance roots with Western pop and Hip Hop sensibilities. Their songs, performed in up to eight unique languages, reflect their journey from Africa to America, and celebrate the musical collision of two continents and the party that ensues!"

Web: A2VT.com
Facebook: /A2VTmusic
IG: /A2VTmusic

12 year-old Amina Adesina Frances Rhoads Eddins is a phenom. She has been performing her poems for 2 years throughout the greater Burlington community to high praise and is a regular reader with local artist group the Black Artist Showcase. Amina makes one powerful half of the dynamic poetry duo A+ featuring fellow poet Andrea Maludi soon to be published later this year. Count yourself fortunate to witness this rising star expressing beauty, brilliance, insight and wisdom beyond her years!

cRAIG mITCHELL, a founding member of the chart-topping production team The Orange Factory, has fathered and cultivated the dance music scene in Burlington, Vermont as a DJ, singer, songwriter and performer for decades. In most recent years, Craig has fronted PURPLE, a tribute to PRINCE, earning Burlington's Seven Days Newspaper's "Best Tribute Band' 4 years in a row. His knowledge of music and his role in the Queen City's music scene has lead him to put together a playfully soulful and funky 'Craig Mitchell and Friends.'

FaceBook | Instagram | Beatport | Soundcloud 

DJ Infinite, a seasoned DJ and community activist, has been prominent in Burlington's music scene for over 30 years. Originally from Brooklyn, he has made Chittenden County his home base. Drawing from personal experiences with the criminal justice system, DJ Infinite profoundly understands the challenges faced by everyday people, fueling his passion for grassroots activism and making him a genuine alternative and a powerful force for social change. With a deep bench of diverse musical knowledge, DJ Infinite's unwavering commitment to addressing community needs and ability to connect with diverse audiences make him a transformative and unifying presence.

Dr. Dexter Criss, a multi-talented individual who has significantly contributed to academia and music, directs the Juneteenth Community Gospel Choir. Serving as the pianist and artistic director for the renowned Plattsburgh State Gospel Choir since 1991, Dr. Criss has played a vital role in shaping the choir's direction and success. Dr. Dexter Criss is an Associate Professor of Chemistry specializing in Organic Chemistry. Despite the seemingly contrasting disciplines, Dr. Criss's passion for the academic and artistic realms led him to become the music director for the SUNY Plattsburgh College Gospel Choir, whose performances resonate with the campus and regional community, foster inclusivity, and spread the joy of music.

Kenice Mobley has performed standup comedy around the world and has performed on The Tonight Show, Netflix, Comedy Central and Vice. She has been featured in the SF SketchFest, Bridgetown, and Red Clay comedy festivals and her debut comedy album Follow Up Question was on Paste Magazine's Best Albums of the Year list. Hailing from North Carolina, she has lived in Charlotte, DC, Boston, Los Angeles, and now calls Brooklyn home.

Social Handles:
  - Instagram: @kenicemobley
  - TikTok: @kenicemobley
  - Twitter: @kenicemobley
  - Facebook: kenice.mobley

Jonesy and Ng, as well as Sensen and Ludo, are emerging artists from North Ave, Burlington, where they grew up and developed their passion for music. You can check out their work on Instagram at @darealjonesy and @ngludo.

Burlington artist, Omega Jade, makes a bold statement with her various talents. Making people laugh with her jokes while offering messages of healing and reflection with her music and poetry. Whether it's jokes or rhymes, she has punchlines. 

To find out more, go to https://omegajadethemc.com/

The artist formerly known as Lil Ranch has recently graduated to Ranch God. This is a fitting move for someone who is such a force of nature, effortlessly creative, charismatic and funny as hell.

AALV Dance program is a group of youth boys and girls that love to come together to share their passion. The group is composed of talented choreographers and instructor that love to spray the love of dancing with the community. The mission of the dance program is to provide a safe space for our youth to grow, collaborate and self-expression, while entertaining and engaging the audiences.

DJ Bodel is a prominent figure in Burlington's music scene, known for his exceptional DJ sets that take listeners on unforgettable journeys. With boundless energy and an uncanny ability to engage his audience, DJ Bodel leaves party-goers always wanting more. His impressive repertoire includes concert performances, club appearances, and private events, where he expertly blends Afrobeat, hip-hop, disco, and jazz. Whether at a packed club or an intimate gathering, DJ Bodel's undeniable skills and passion for music create a lively and immersive atmosphere that entertains, connects, and resonates with audiences, ensuring a memorable experience every time.

DJ Ron Stoppable, hailing from Queens, NY, has been a prominent force in the vibrant Burlington, VT music scene for the past four and a half years. Known for his remarkable ability to curate an engaging blend of hip-hop and dance music, Ron Stoppable sets the stage ablaze with his captivating performances. However, his versatility extends beyond boundaries as he fearlessly ventures into genres like trap, house, dubstep, and even country. With an infectious energy and a deep understanding of crowd dynamics, DJ Ron Stoppable guarantees an electrifying experience that transcends genre limitations. 

Isaiah is a poet and scholar born in Burlington, Vermont. Their debut collection, null landing (2022) was chosen as winner of the 2020 Slope Editions Book Prize and a finalist for the 2023 Zora Neale Hurston/Richard Wright Foundation Legacy Award in Poetry. isaiah lives in Troy, NY where they are completing a PhD in communication and rhetoric at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute.

Kwame Dankwa is the afternoon radio host of "The Kwame Show" on 95 Triple X in Burlington, a club DJ, and an advocate for the local music scene. Kwame has also brought good vibes and music to cities such as Seattle, WA, Memphis, TN &  Portland, ME. The Juneteenth audience can expect a curation of Afrobeats, House, and R&B from Dankwa and the performers he will host on the Church Street stage as we celebrate our culture in the community we call home.

Marlon Fisher, also known as Big Fish, is a Brooklyn-born comedian who brings laughter to the stage with his unique style and witty humor. After serving in the U.S. Army as an Intelligence Analyst, Marlon made Burlington his home in 2013. Alongside his comedic endeavors, he is a devoted stay-at-home dad who actively engages with disadvantaged youth in Vermont, positively impacting the community. Marlon's passions extend beyond comedy; he enjoys cooking and storytelling and cherishes time spent with his two children.

My name is Katherine, in the Dj world I go by NyaaKe ( that girl) which is a native word from the Acholi people of northern Uganda. I live for gratitude and playing music has been one of the ways I express gratitude. I have been DJing since I was 15 but only recently after sometime decided to share that with the world. 

My Instagram is @gratitudewithkarth

Rajnii Eddins, a seasoned Spoken Word Poet, Emcee, and Teaching Artist, captivates audiences with his mesmerizing stage presence. With over 27 years of experience, Rajnii's journey as a poet and community organizer was shaped by his mother, Randee, the visionary behind the African-American Writers' Alliance in Seattle. Joining the Alliance at the age of 11 laid the foundation for his artistic endeavors and commitment to community engagement. Since 2010, Rajnii has actively participated in Vermont's youth and community initiatives. In September 2020, he established The Black Artist Showcase, a vibrant monthly platform celebrating talented Vermont artists of African descent across various artistic disciplines.
https://www.rajniieddins.com/

DonnCherie, a singer-songwriter, a folk-soul storyteller that has been described as “honey-covered-rawness”, she is dark, ominous, playful and a little naughty! A little bit “Tracy and a little bit Chakah, with a touch of Wynona” Her music, influenced by R&B, Blues, Folk, Soul and Country, does not ask you to pick a genre but offers a voluptuous range of delightful stylings unlike anyone else. DonnCherie’s 1st album, The Art of DonnCherie continues to delight audiences and showcases her eclectic range!

TheArtofDonnCherie.com 

Latest Album: The Art of DonnCherie donncherie.bandcamp.com  Follow me on Facebook and Instagram @the_art_of_donncherie (insta) @TheArtofDonnCherieProject (book of face)

Abizo is a rising star in the world of Congolese music and a force to be reckoned with. Based in the US since 2019, he broke through in 2020 with his electrifying singles "BLESSED" and "POSITIVE ENERGY". His mixtapes "BLESSED" and "POSITIVE ENERGY" have been met with critical acclaim, particularly in his home country. The singles "BINA" and "COMME MESSI" catapulted him to even greater success. Abizo's recently released album "RUMBA FLOW" is a testament to his growth, featuring 20 vibrant tracks and quickly surpassing 100,000 streams worldwide.

@abizofficial

Black Gold was born out of a shared love for music and a strong sense of purpose, this high- energy band offers a fusion of Soul, Latin jazz, R&B, and Funk, promising to take you on a musical journey that will keep you dancing!

Based in Burlington, VT, DJ Briidj is an incredibly talented DJ specializing in Old School hip-hop, R&B, reggae, house, and EDM. As the owner of OSNS Entertainment, a collective of exceptional talents, DJ Briidj ensures every event he performs at becomes a memorable experience. Whether it's an amplified event, silent disco, private gathering, or wedding, his dynamic performances and commitment to entertainment excellence make him one of the most sought-after figures in Burlington's vibrant music scene.

https://www.osnsentertainment.com

DJ Melo Grant is renowned as the host of the popular radio show Cultural Bunker on 90.1 WRUVFM. With an impressive 39-year career, Melo Grant has been instrumental in bringing the vibrant beats of Hip Hop to the Champlain Valley. Her skillful fusion of classic and new-underground hip-hop has garnered widespread acclaim, as noted by Dan Bolles in Seven Days. Beyond her musical endeavors, she actively engages in initiatives to optimize healthcare benefits for Vermonters and other individuals. Melo Grant's commitment to public service also led to her election as a progressive candidate for Central District City Council. 

Performance Piece: A modern dance piece with ballet influences depicting the steadfast nature of “holding on” while discovering who we are, our purpose, and where we are  going.
We are Afro descent professional and pre professional dancers who give meaningful performances throughout New England. Veronica Factory is a classically trained dancer who received her BA in dance from the University of California, Irvine. She has performed professional theater and commercial work. She is now director of Dance Theater of Vermont, a performance company which also operates a dance academy.

www.Dancetheaterofvermont.com

Jenni Johnson, an esteemed bandleader from NYC/Harlem now residing in Burlington, VT, brings over twenty-five years of musical experience to the stage. Leading The Jazz Junketeers, Jenni's diverse musical influences span Jazz, Soul, and Country. Join her captivating "Jenni's Joint" shows on YouTube or visit jennijohnson.net to learn more about her musical endeavors. At the Juneteenth festival, Jenni will be joined by the talented ensemble of Junketeers, including Felix Anderson on drums, Nick Warner as bassist, Bruce Cohen on keyboards, Joe Santos as percussionist, and Jenni Johnson as vocals.

Jolivette Anderson-Douoning aka Jolivette 'the poet warrior' is a theater artist and performance poet. As an artist, she performs poetry written by well known poets and her original work in the form of poetry stories that teach about Black American life and culture from a Black Southerner's perspective. Dr. Jolivette teaches History at Saint Michael's College in Colchester, VT where she served as the Inaugural Edmundite Dissertation Fellow (2021 -2023) and Post Doctoral Fellow (2023-2024).

Facebook: Jolivette Anderson-Douoning
Instagram: Jolivette_thepoetwarrior

LN is a Spoken Word Poet. She has shared her poems with audiences across Vermont. For LN, very aspect of Spoken Word is joyful. The ultimate goal of LN's poetry to create a connect between poet, poems and audience.

Mike Thomas, a prominent figure in the vibrant Vermont comedy scene, has delighted audiences for over 15 years with his undeniable talent and quick wit. As a seasoned comedian, Thomas understands the unmatched connection forged between performer and crowd, cherishing every moment, whether met with roaring laughter or occasional challenges. His comedic prowess has earned him a spot as a finalist in esteemed competitions such as the Higher Ground Comedy Battle and Vermont's Funniest Comedian contests. 

Nadia Frazier is a talented young writer who has already made remarkable achievements at 15. With a passion for writing since a young age, Nadia completed her first book at the age of seven, setting the stage for her budding literary career. She dedicates much of her free time to reading, writing, and performing, finding inspiration in nature and her childhood experiences. Nadia's talent and dedication garnered recognition, earning her the first-place prize in the prestigious Vermont Youth Poetry contest and the opportunity to serve as a Legislative Page at the Vermont State House. Appearing in the esteemed Black Artist Showcase, Nadia shines as a rising star in the art scene. Her love for writing remains her greatest passion and pastime, fueling her ambition to continue making an impact through her craft in the future.

Obi, a Nigerian-born artist, embarked on a transformative journey upon moving to the US. Breaking free from his family's shadow, Obi discovered a passion for music. Balancing academics with songwriting, vocals, and production, Obi aims to bridge cultures through his inclusive art. https://linktr.ee/obithevoicegod 

Topia, also known as Teibiroa Ambo, is an exceptional hip-hop artist, engineer, and producer hailing from the vibrant Pacific Island of Kiribati. During his formative years in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Topia cultivated an eclectic music taste and discovered his undeniable passion for hip-hop. Currently based in Essex, Vermont, he infuses his music with various genres, including reggaeton, bounce, hyperpop, pluggnb, dancehall, rage, noise, electronic, and hip hop. Topia's signature style is melodic hip-hop, with each song presenting a unique sound and captivating experience. A creative and fearless artist, he pushes the boundaries of hip-hop, constantly experimenting and venturing into uncharted musical territories.

@youngtopia