The City of Lewisville is proud to announce an amazing lineup of artists and performers for its three-day
Juneteenth celebration events, June 18-20.
The theme for this year's celebration is "Juneteenth: The Cookout," and will feature a poetry slam, a concert in Wayne Ferguson Plaza, and a night of stand-up comedy.
"The Cookout" celebrates the heart of community. Inspired by the tradition of gathering to share stories, music, laughter, and joy, this multiday event captures that spirit - no grill required. Experience live music, comedy, poetry, visual arts, and more in a vibrant, welcoming atmosphere. Together, we honor history, celebrate culture, and embrace the freedom that brings us all to the table.
A Juneteenth Poetry Slam
Thursday, June 18 - 7:30 p.m.
Black Box Theater inside Lewisville Grand Theater
Lewisville Poet Laureate James Mardis will host this dynamic poetry slam that will spotlight bold, original work, that honors freedom, resilience, and community.
Interested poets may begin signing up to participate on Friday, May 1. Part of the poetry slam event will feature open mic opportunities for additional voices to take the stage. It'll be a vibrant night of spoken words that will inspire, challenge, and uplift.
This will be a free event to attend. Contents of this program may contain adult or mature content.
Juneteenth Celebration Concert
Friday, June 19 - 7-9 p.m.
Wayne Ferguson Plaza
This bonus Sounds of Lewisville concert will feature headliner Elements of Fire - An Earth, Wind & Fire Tribute Experience, a Step Team performance, and The Peterson Brothers as the opening act.
The Peterson Brothers
The Peterson Brothers, hailing from the vibrant musical hub of Austin, have been enchanting audiences with their very own blend of Americana music consisting of classic Soul, Funk, Blues, and Jazz for over a decade. The dynamic duo consists of Glenn Jr. on vocals and guitar, and Alex, a Grammy-award-winning artist, on bass, vocals, and even the violin. They made their Lewisville debut at Western Days last year and thrilled the crowd with their musical style and flair.
Elements of Fire: An Earth, Wind & Fire Tribute Experience
Let the Taylor Pace Orchestra take you on a journey through the music of Earth, Wind & Fire, a band that helped bring about an evolution in pop music, bridging the gap that often separated the tastes of black and white America. Pace grew up in Fort Worth, attended Howard University, and toured the world. As a singer, songwriter, producer, performer, and multi-instrumentalist, Pace offers fans what they have always wanted - a genuine musician that tells the stories in the hearts & minds of everyone.
The concert starts at 7 p.m., when The Peterson Brothers take the stage. Experience the rhythm and tradition of Greek life as multiple step teams bring the stage to life with a step show during the concert changeover. Elements of Fire will begin around 8:15 p.m. Attendees are encouraged to bring blankets and lawn chairs for their comfort. Well-behaved pets on a leash are allowed at the shows. Food and beverages will be available for purchase. Vendors scheduled for this event include Groovy Chicken and Waffles, Smok'd TX BBQ, Karl's Kitchen, and Kona Ice.
The Juneteenth Celebration concert was enacted from a recommendation of the Mayor's Commission - Listen Learn Lead. The committee presented 30 recommendations to City Council in 2020 that the City has been actively working on implementing.
To see all the recommendations and the progress being made on each, visit the Listen Learn Lead page.
The award-winning Wayne Ferguson Plaza is a 1.5-acre urban park that takes on a contemporary sweeping gesture using water to link east to west and united Lewisville City Hall and Lewisville Grand Theater. It features an elevated stage, a multi-level seating area, an interactive splash pad and a garden filled with swathes of native grasses and wildflowers.
A Night of Stand-Up - C.J. Starr and Friends
Saturday, June 20 - 8 p.m.
Black Box Theater inside Lewisville Grand Theater
Headliner C.J. Starr and some of DFW's most entertaining performers will take the Black Box Theater stage for a great evening of stand-up comedy.
C.J. Starr was raised in the Midwest, but his comedy was born in Texas. His comedy continues to take America by storm, making crowds laugh about anything that can happen to a seasoned man trying to figure out what he wants to do when he grows up. He relates to audience as he makes fun of his upbringing, his bi-racial family, kids, grandkids, his tenure at community college, jail time, and bad career choices.
Fonzo Crow II, a Dallas native, is a star on the rise. When he is not performing his high-energy, quick-witted comedy, Crow brings his unique perspective to the stage. His comedy will leave audiences in stitches with stories about fraternity life, married and divorced life, and the challenges of being a father raising step kids. Crow credits his comedic ability to his upbringing in Dallas.
Rogelio Mendoza is an up-and-coming comic quickly making a name for himself. Born and raised in Oak Cliff, Mendoza is no stranger to a fast-paced lifestyle. Raised by his grandparents, with parents who kept life "interesting," Mendoza brings stories about growing up in the hood, bouncing around neighborhoods, family chaos, marriage, and raising kids. With his calm demeanor and unique outlook, Mendoza brings enjoyable comedy to any stage he performs on.
Contents of this program may contain adult or mature content.
Tickets are $20 table seating (requires the purchase of a full table/four seats for $80); and $15 general admission seating.
Tickets can be purchased online at LewisvilleGrand.com/Tix.
Also on view during The Cookout, is the Quilting Sisters of Color exhibition,
She Saw a Need! Reflections of African American Culture and History through Quilting and Textile Arts, in the Art Gallery of Lewisville Grand Theater.
The Grand is Lewisville's home for the arts. It presents a variety of regional and national touring performers, art exhibits, and classes, while also giving the many arts groups in the greater Lewisville area a facility to perform and display their works. Its multiple performance spaces play host to a variety of events, including live music, theater, dance performances, comedy shows, and more. The center features the 294-seat Huffines Performance Hall, black box theater, recital hall, art gallery, and courtyard.
To reach The Grand, and Wayne Ferguson Plaza, from Interstate 35E, take exit 452 and proceed east on Main Street to Charles Street. The Grand will be on the left. Free public parking is available along Main and Church streets, or at Lewisville City Hall across Church Street from the center. Please be aware that heavy construction at the Main Street intersection with I-35E could cause traffic delays.