3 reasons to go to the African American Cultural Festival

A legendary Dayton funk band and a nationally-known R&B singer are among those set to entertain revelers at the ninth annual Dayton African American Cultural Festival.

The free, family-friendly festival will be held  12 p.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 19 at Island MetroPark, 101 E. Helena St. in Dayton, and noon to 6 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 20 on Courthouse Square, near the corners of Third and Main streets in downtown Dayton.

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"This is going to be a healing process for our community," said Tommy Owens, an event organizer. "We are very excited about this."

Below are just three reasons to attend African American Cultural Festival.

1.) A SATURDAY OF MUSIC

Credit: Barbara J. Perenic

Credit: Barbara J. Perenic

Two well-known acts will close out the festival. SLAVE is set to perform at 4 p.m. Saturday, according to Tommy Owens, an event organizer.

Formed in Dayton in 1975, the band's hit include "Watching You," "Slide," "Just a Touch of Love" and "Snap Shot."
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Glenn Jones, who is known for the songs "I've Been Searching," "Show Me" and "We've Only Just Begun," is also set to perform Saturday at 7:10 p.m. See the full schedule of the Saturday lineup below.

The festival wil also feature hip-hop, blues and dance performances.

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2.) AFRICAN CULTURE 

Owens said two couples will be married during a wedding ceremony that borrows traditions from African cultures. There will be an African village with drumming, dancing and storytelling.

There will also be African and African-American art and other merchandise, a natural hair show and a fashion show. Food vendors will be on site.

The event also includes a youth area and health screenings.

3.) SUNDAY WORSHIP

The MarketPlace Movement Church will be featured at during Sunday's Gospel Explosion on Courthouse Square, which includes multiple performers.

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Credit: Barbara J. Perenic

Credit: Barbara J. Perenic

SATURDAY FESTIVAL SCHEDULE 

1 p.m. New Harvest Gospel

1:45 p.m. DJ Oscar

2 p.m. Hot Number

2:45 p.m. DJ Oscar

3 p.m. Chenault Dancers

3:45 p.m. DJ Oscar

4:00 p.m. SLAVE

5:05 p.m. African wedding

5:15 p.m. Racheal Jackson work out

5:45 p.m. TBA

6:00 p.m. Mississippi Red

6:45 p.m. Dejavue Ballroom Dancers

7:10 p.m. Glenn Jones accompanied by Dayton’s on Eldridge Coats and band

7:50 p.m. Closing Ceremony

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