Singer Darlene Benton and Chicago bluesman Kenneth Davis of the Ken Davis Project are returning as musical highlights of McHenry County’s Second Annual Juneteenth Festival to be held on historic Woodstock Square on Saturday, June 15 from 3-6 pm.
The program is a celebration of the date, June 16, 1866. when formerly enslaved persons in Galveston, Texas first heard news of Emancipation. The commemoration of that event has spread from Texas and now is observed nationally as a day of Jubilee and freedom.
Singer Darlene Benton.
Darlene Benton has been singing since the age of 4 years old. Her roots have taken her to gospel and jazz. She has sung throughout the Chicagoland area at such notable venues as the Auditorium Theatre, the House of Blues, the Chicago Hilton, and the Hemmens Culture Center. While her vocals have been requested by such iconic gospel artists as Albertina Walker, her true love is leading and ministering to the hearts and souls of people through praise and worship. Currently, she is working on her own material as a gifted songwriter.
Keneth Davis and the Ken Davis Project will back Benton and perform their own jazz stylings.
The celebration was organized by Gloria Van Hof, a McHenry County Board member, noted Underground Railroad historian, and long-time activist along with other community leaders. Van Hof will return as master of ceremonies.
The program will feature speakers, musical performances, and readings with food trucks, vendors, and fun family activities on the Square.
For more information look for the Facebook page or the McHenry County Juneteenth Organization web page.
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