Arts & Culture

“We're here to say we're here, we're queer, we're proud of it,” said Brian Brewer, planning committee member.

Through 13 hand-embroidered panels, artisans from New Hampshire to Georgia have woven together stories of struggle within America’s original 13 colonies to commemorate the country’s 250th anniversary.

Organizers say the scale of the presentation — covering the facade of the Virginia Museum of History & Culture — will make it stand out from other national public celebrations.

Melissa Etheridge spoke to WHRO recently about her celebrated career and current tour, which brings her to the Hampton Roads area on June 25.

The arts festival added an extra day to the annual event to capitalize on the crowds expected to come to Williamsburg for the nation's 250th commemoration days later.

“They did everything that people have told them — that institutions have told them — they did not do,” said Jajuan Johnson, Lemon Project interim director.

In 1979, President Jimmy Carter designated June as Black Music Month, also known now as African American Music Appreciation Month; the purpose is to celebrate the African American musical influences in American history.

Some of those band kids who earned a coveted spot in the McDonald's All-American High School Band during the years are now performing as its alumni band.