Petersburg music festival returns to historic Halifax Triangle: Jazz, R&B, Latino soul
PETERSBURG — Petersburg's largest block party returns next weekend. The Halifax Music Festival "on the AVE" will take place along the downtown historic commercial district at Halifax Triangle aka the "Avenue," once a robust and thriving center of Black cultural, social and economic life.
The free community event, formerly named Halifax Jazz and Blues, is presented by the Petersburg Center for Development Inc. [PCD]. The outdoor festival will feature a star-studded cast of musicians, food, beverages and vendors for its 2022 edition.
The festival changed its original name Halifax Jazz and Blues to incorporate different genres of music. This year attendees will listen to rhythm and blues, jazz inspirations and Latino soul.
See if you spot someone you know...: Petersburg fit fest Donamatrix Day 2022: Progress-Index exclusive, 70 images, video
"This is the Best Block Party in Da Burg!!!! We are about to "Gear Up" for the 15th Annual Festival June 10 -11!!!!," PCD President Patricia "Pat" Hines posted on Facebook @PetersburgLive.
At the intersection of Halifax St. and South Ave., Petersburgers will be jammin' on Friday and Saturday from 6 - 11:59 p.m. to a great lineup of music.
Your support helps keep the lights on at The Progress-Index! We are passionate about telling Petersburg's stories. Stay connected with our articles, enterprise reporting and more by clicking "Subscribe" at the top of the page.
Guests are encouraged to bring lawn chairs, as seating is limited.
According to local historian Michelle Murrills, the music festival carries on the legacy that began in the Rialto Theater which was located at 108 South Ave. It was demolished in 2015.
"James Brown, Sam Cooke, Chubby Checker and The Mills Brothers played there, and John Wayne and Joseph Cotton watched performances there," Murrills said.
The Halifax Music Festival was selected as a Virginia Tourism Corporation [VTC] Spring 2022 grant funding recipient. According to the VTC's website, the Triangle Center for Development DBA Petersburg Center for Development, Inc. was granted $4,700 for the Halifax Music Festival “On the AVE.”
VTC's mission is to expand domestic and international inbound travel and motion picture production to generate revenue and employment in Virginia.
Garden party blossoms at Strawberry Hill: Petersburg Garden Club celebrated on historic lawn: Cats, dogs, elephants fall from sky
RVA area favorite closes indefinitely: Mrs. Yoder's Kitchen fans mourn on National Doughnut Day: Will yummy tradition roll again?
The nonprofit PCD serves as a catalyst for community development, improved health and economic growth.
“Our aim is to re-create a vibrant public space which showcases amazing local artists and black cultural arts," Hines said. "We appreciate the amazing artists who donate their time and talents to perform for the love of their community and the festival sponsors for their generosity to make this event possible."
Attendees will get to check out a "LOVE" sign created by Lemar Johnson aka DJ Mockingbird. It will be unveiled on Thursday, June 9 at the corner of Halifax St. and South Ave.
For more information, contact Hines at 804-926-0495 or follow Halifax Music Festival "on the AVE" on Facebook.
'I love my customers': Chester Dominic's of New York: Fernando Rodriguez cooks with his heart for Lowe's shoppers
Historic Poplar Lawn area: Petersburg Garden Club's 2022 home and garden tour: The Progress-Index exclusive images
— Kristi K. Higgins aka The Social Butterfly columnist is the trending topics and food Q&A reporter at The Progress-Index. Have a news tip on local trends or businesses? Contact Kristi (she, her) at khiggins@progress-index.com, follow @KHiggins_PI on Twitter @socialbutterflykristi on Instagram, and subscribe to us at progress-index.com.
This article originally appeared on The Progress-Index: Petersburg Halifax Music Festival 'on the AVE': R&B, Jazz, Latino Soul
