JUNETEENTH Jazz & Blues Festival returned to Arcosanti for year VIII. The festival commemorates the date that most slaves first heard about President Lincoln's 1863 declaration of freedom. It symbolizes the joy of a call to freedom, and the responsibility to assist in developing a more inclusive and equitable society. The arts in general, and in this case specifically, African-American arts, are one of the most compelling sources for passing this message on. The festival is organized by MILT CANNON. Milt heads the PRESCOTT JAZZ SOCIETY and has arranged this event at Arcosanti since its conception. [upper left] REVERENT DOUGLAS HOBSON starts the festival each year with a blessing and songs by the St. Luke Ebony Christian church Choir. [upper right] Organizer Milt Cannon on saxophone with the PJAZZ Quartet. [lower left] CANNON-FIRE BAND is joined by APA DANCE ACADEMY. [lower right] The CUNNINGHAMS

There were Art and Crafts displays as well as a variety of food vendors. Jewelry, henna-painted tattoo's, MYASIA fashion with a special fashion show, and Husain returned for the eights year with his collection of incense, jewelry and beautiful hand-carved wooden masks.

Hand-crafted drums and again the APA DANCE COMPANY with CANNON FIRE BAND. The evening proceeded with the traditional Reggea [and Limbo] dance with Henry Turner Jr. & Flavor in the Vaults.

Since before the turn of the Century, the Prescott Jazz Society and Arcosanti have joined to present this annual celebration of freedom with an emphasis on equality, social responsibility, and respect. This event presents the opportunity for deeper understanding and appreciation of our diverse society. These principles remain the basis for this collaboration and continue to guide each organization in their respective mission to affect the betterment of our social state of being. We will continue working our mission through love, labor and laughter.