“The Voice” Inc. and the City of Round Rock Parks and Recreation Department are joining forces again for the 7th annual Round Rock Juneteenth Rhythm and Ribs Festival on Friday, June 19 (7:30 pm to 11:30 pm) and a full day of entertainment on Saturday, June 20 (2:00 pm to midnight) at the Lakeview Pavilion in Old Settlers Park located at 3300 E. Palm Valley Blvd., Round Rock, Texas.

The festivities begin on Friday, June 19 at 7:30 pm with a headlining performance by DJ Cut Creator.  For more than 25 years as a Deejay, Jay was voted one of the top 25 Hip Hop DJ’s of all time by “Newsweek” magazine. Cut Creator is a legendary icon in the Hip Hop Industry, and as the right hand for one of Hip Hop’s mega stars LL Cool J who also coined the famous phrase … “WHAT’S MY DJ’S NAME…CUT CREATOR” which became one of rap’s best known lyrics of all time on the “Rock the Bells” single.

The celebration continues Saturday, June 20at 2:00 pm. The barbeque cook-off participants will already have their pits fired up and meat cooking for judging starting at 12:00 noon. At 3:00 pm, the opening welcome from Round Rock Mayor Pro-Tem George White kicks off the day’s festivities.

The entertainment on Saturday includes the headliner and international super star Cupid and the Dance Party Express. In 2007, Bryson “Cupid” Bernard shuffled his way into the hearts of millions with the up-tempo party song “Cupid Shuffle,” which also inspired the popular dance craze of the same name. “Cupid Shuffle” reached No. 66 on the Billboard Hot 100. From appearances on nationally syndicated TV and radio talk shows such as Dr. Oz, Steve Harvey and Tom Joyner to breaking the Guinness Book of World Records in 2008 for the largest line dance assembled with over 17K people, Cupid has virtually reshaped dance music and created an entirely new genre.

Cupid has only built on his momentum by spreading his love of dance by making appearances on “The Doctor Oz show,” and “The Mo’Nique show”. His endeavors have led him to partnerships with Disney and McDonalds. He takes part in Disney’s annual Disney Dreamers Academy each year and has even been the face of McCafe. More recently Cupid has teamed up with Cash Money Records to release the hit single titled “Wham Dance” featuring artist Mystikal.

Saturday evening entertainment also includes Les and The Funk Mob. The Funk Mob lay down an intense, groove-ridden funk and soul so old school it will take you back.  Then, they’ll bring you back with the undeniable sounds of today’s hottest Top 40, hip-hop, RB, and rock.  This Texas based band contains a lineup of the most accomplished musicians playing in this genre anywhere.  Known for its unparalleled stage performance and ability to connect and engage its crowd, The Funk Mob consistently pushes stylistic boundaries while embracing a treasured old school tradition.  Anchored by a seamless rhythm lineup, and fronted with an ensemble of the most powerful, soulful, and smoothest vocals in the business, this team of funkmeisters unites for one multi-dimensional sound.

The Funk Mob’s musicianship has enabled them to perform with greats like Patti LaBelle, Larry Braggs with Tower of Power, and Az Yet. The Funk Mob is setting new standards for excellence with its ever-growing fan base. 

There will also be clowns, moonwalks, games, health fair, specialty food, retail vendors and much, much more! Additionally, Round Rock Police Department will be hosting family activaties for kids along with the U.S. Armed forces.

The Juneteenth Rhythm and Ribs Festival is sponsored by 96.3 RnB Radio Austin and the Round Rock Express.

Juneteenth is the oldest known celebration commemorating the emancipation of slavery in the state of Texas. Historically, the celebration falls on June 19^th and commemorates the day in 1865 that Texans were told by Union troops that the Civil War had ended and that all slaves were now freed. Though the Emancipation Proclamation became official on January 1, 1863, there was little impact on the lives of Texans until 1865.  Today, Juneteenth celebrates African American freedom while encouraging self-development and respect for all cultures.

To get more information about the Juneteenth celebration and to register for the barbeque contest or vendor booths, visit www.thevoicerr.com or www.RoundRockRecreation.com/Juneteenth.  Admission and parking for this event are free.

Friday, June 19, 2015 Entertainment Schedule:
7:30pm            DJ Cut Creator           (HEADLINER)
All U Need

Saturday, June 20, 2015 Entertainment Schedule:
2:00pm            Festival Opens
2:30pm            Judah Praise
2:45pm            One Way Baptist Church Sanctuary Choir
3:00pm            Opening ceremonies/Proclamation by Mayor Pro-Tem George White
4:00pm            BBQ Cook-off winners announced
5:30pm            Pamela Hart
7:30pm            Les The Funk Mob
9:30pm           Cupid and the Dance Party Express           (HEADLINER)

The City of Round Rock Parks and Recreation Department has been awarded accreditation status from the National Recreation and Parks Society (NRPA) and was award the National Gold Medal Award for Excellence in Park and Recreation. The NRPA Gold Medal Award is the highest national honor in the park and recreation industry.