On Saturday, June 17, Ohio University Southern in Ironton will host the inaugural Culture & Heritage Festival, featuring live music, a theatrical performance, and more. The festival will take place from noon to 7 p.m. leading up to the Juneteenth holiday. It is part of the Appalachian Freedom Heritage Tourism Initiative, which celebrates the history of the Underground Railroad in Appalachian communities.

Music will kick off at 12:30 p.m. with Renee Stewart band from southeast Ohio, a band blending lyrical honesty with rock and roll roots. Robert Lomax, who enjoys using his tenor voice singing spirituals, gospel and contemporary Christian music, will follow at 1:30 p.m. Honey Dipped, a team of experienced musicians and performers who are passionate about creating unforgettable experiences for their audience, will take the stage at 2:30 p.m., wrapping up the musical performances for the day.

Following the live music, attendees can view a theatrical performance at 5 p.m. in the Bowman Auditorium. Juneteenth: A Celebration of Historical Legacies, was written and directed by Belinda Brown, of Ironton. The performance features actors from the Tri-State area and is a tribute to African Americans who have made contributions to our country.

Community organizations and vendors are invited to table and offer services during the festival. There is no charge to set up, and the deadline to register is Monday, May 22.

For more information, visit ohio.edu/southern/culture-and-heritage-festival.

The Culture & Heritage Festival is made possible by a POWER Grant received from the Appalachian Regional Commission in partnership with the Lawrence Economic Development Corporation and nearly 20 other partners across 9 counties in Ohio, Kentucky and West Virginia.