Henry Street Heritage Festival

Logo On September 26, 2009 the heavens opened up and gave Roanoke City
2.5 inches of much needed rain. Most of the vendors arrived early and set up, even though we knew that the weather man had said that there was a 90% chance of heavy rain around 4:00 p.m.

The volunteers were there to give their support, even though many of them had been in that position before. They are one of the forces that make and have made the festival the success that it has been.

Reverend William Lee blessed the festival and Mayor Bowers presented a proclamation to the Board President, Sereina Paynter, declaring that day in the name of the Henry Street Heritage Festival.

We had performances from The Westside Dancers, Divine Nature, The English Family, Loudon Avenue Christian Church Male Chorus and Grovatational Pull.

The Children’s Village was open and ready. Several organizations were there to provide face painting and arts and crafts for the youngsters.

Unfortunately we were unable to continue, so we thanked everyone and closed the 20th Annual Henry Street Festival. The commemorative tee shirt is available at the Museum’s gift shop for $10.00.

We would like to thank those of you who endured the rain for your loyalty to the Harrison Museum of African American Culture.

Please continue to read the information contained on our site and we ask that you support those businesses and organizations listed as they have continued to support us rain or shine.

Charlene Graves
Festival Coordinator

About the Henry Street Heritage Festival

The Henry Street Heritage Festival is the premier event of the Harrison Museum of African American Culture. The public festival celebrates the history, culture, heritage, and arts of African Americans. Festival goers will find a diverse offering of arts and entertainment in which to participate including national and local talent; educational and historical exhibits; interactive children's area; as well as arts and crafts from a wide range of vendors, community organizations, and merchants.

Past Henry Street Heritage Festival performers include Kevin L., Emily King, Rob Base, Victor Fields, Rare Essence, Donna Jones, The Barkays, Ruben Studdard, Algebra, Lacee, just to name a few.

Vendors, Exhibitors, Volunteers

If you are interested in being a vendor, exhibitor, volunteer, or providing an informationl booth for our next festival, please contact us about this exciting opportunity.

Festival contact info: Please call or email Charlene Graves at (540) 345-4818 or festivalharrison@verizon.net.

Previous Festival Photos

Click on the main picture below to advance to the next image.

2009 Henry Street Heritage Festival

The 20th Annual Henry Street Heritage Festival will be held on September 26th, 2009 in Elmwood Park in downtown Roanoke. The festival is from 10:00 am to 10:00 pm.

Download 2009 Henry Street Heritage Festival Flyer

Opening Celebration. . .Elmwood Park . . . 12:00 p.m.

2009 Music Line-Up

Adrian Crutchfield
Adrian Crutchfield is known mostly for his neo-soul sound. His silky smooth tambre creates beautiful music in a variety of genres including jazz, funk, latin and rock. Adrian's star began shining at the tender age of four when he received his first saxophone from acclaimed jazz artist Kenny G during a concert in Roanoke, VA. Kenny G noticed Adrian was engrossed with his performance and briefly stopped the concert to bring Adrian to the side of the stage. After blowing a few notes, he gave Adrian his first saxophone. Twenty years later, in 2009, the charismatic and passionate Crutchfield released his debut compact disc entitled, "Private Party". Mr. Crutchfield’s initial project highlights his diverse musical interests and talents by featuring his sophisticated sax on jazz, neo soul, and hip hop tracks. A 2008 graduate of Florida State University (B.A. in Music with a concentration in jazz, contemporary media and commercial music); Adrian has had the privilege of performing with some of today's brightest stars. While attending college (April 2006), Adrian became the sax man for national rhythm and blues recording artist Anthony Hamilton during the “Change Your World Tour” which featured other popular R & B artists such as Heather Headley, Van Hunt, and Vivian Green. Adrian also has played behind American Idol winner Fantasia Barrino, and for internationally known rap star Young Jeezy. Most recently, Mr. Crutchfield played along side smooth jazz icon Kim Waters. Adrian began his professional music career at the age of 14 by appearing in shows and clubs in Charlotte, N.C. During this period, he also had a part as a swing dancer in the made-for-television movie Shake, Rattle and Roll! and performed with The Gap Band and Fourplay. At the age of 16, Adrian opened a concert for veteran recording artist Regina Belle and a year later was offered a permanent position in the band of neo soul diva Angie Stone after performing for the artist on her birthday. Adrian Crutchfield is an emerging star. As a 24 year old saxophone aficionado, he is poised and ready to become one of his generation’s most prolific and successful professional musicians. For booking and other information regarding Adrian, please contact the Quest Media Group at the following email address: questmediagroupllc@gmail.com.

http://www.myspace.com/adriancrutchfield

Entertainers

Westside/Patrick Henry Dancers
William Fleming High School Drum Line
The Dumas Drama Guild
LDM Praise Team & Divine Nature
Rev. Isaac Scott and Charlene Scott
The English Family
Total Praise Mime Ministries
God’s Precious Angels
The Male Chorus of Loudon Avenue Christian Church
Black Out Entertainment
Grovahtational Pull
Battle Breakers
Kit Kelso’s Bulldog Jazz
Waldolf Brooks and Friends
Kelley Gravely
Zulu Wantu
Second Impressions
Adrian Crutchfield
& More

Festival Highlights		Pre Festival Events
Line Dancing, Al & Jill Elliott		*Performers Gathering*
The Children’s Village: 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.		September 23rd, 6:30 p. m.
The Heritage Market		*Volunteer Gathering*
Yard Delights, Food Court		September 24th, 6:30 p.m.
Uncle Billy’s Beer Garden		*Adrian Crutchfield, Master Workshop*
Bidwhist Tournament Community Exhibitors		September 25th, William Fleming High School
		*Sweet Honey and The Rock*
$6 - Adults. . . 10:00 a.m.—4:00 p.m. $8—Adults. . . 4:00 p.m.—10:00 p.m $2– Children. . . .( 6yrs.-12yrs.)		September 25th, Jefferson Center Mention Henry Street Festival and receive discount at ticket office.
MC’s: Charnika L. Elliott, Art Thompson & Clarence Hamlar