Virginia Beach celebrates Juneteenth with free Oceanfront jazz, R&B fest

When producer George Waters got the opportunity to develop a Juneteenth festival for Virginia Beach, he felt he needed to include jazz.

Jazz is rooted in African American culture and history. In addition, Waters said, the Oceanfront often hosts R&B and hip-hop concerts but wanted to offer an alternative sound.

So Jazzteenth will be held Saturday at 24th Street Park beginning at 10 a.m. It will include Virginia-based jazz and soul artists, such as singer Madz Johnson and saxophonist Cali Jones. There will also be Virginia bands such as Butcher Brown performing as a jazz quintet and The Fuzz Band, who perform a fusion of funk, jazz and soul.

Even with the promotion of jazz, Waters wanted to include other genres.

In fact, he is bringing in national R&B artists, Keke Wyatt and Vivian Green, to headline the festival.

The event is free. Visit jazzteenthfestival.com for more information.