Richmond Symphony to Present CELEBRATE JACKSON WARD Festival, Today

February 25, 2016 - Richmond, Virginia: the First Lady of the Commonwealth of Virginia, Dorothy McAuliffe; The Honorable Dwight C. Jones, Mayor, City of Richmond; The Honorable Charles R. Samuels, Councilman, Richmond City Council, Richmond North Central 2nd Voter District; Marilyn H. West, Chair of the Black History Museum and Cultural Center of Virginia; Dr. Levy M. Armwood, Jr. Pastor, Ebenezer Baptist Church; and Steven Smith, Music Director of the Richmond Symphony are pleased to announce a special festival celebrating the people, places and history of Richmond's historic Jackson Ward. Celebrate Jackson Ward: Past Present and Future will showcase the unique history of Jackson Ward through the stories and performances from individuals and organizations that continue to make a positive impact on the area. The Festival will feature three days of performances and activities on May 20-22, 2016. Anchored by a performance by the Richmond Symphony under its new "Big Tent" with Virginia Repertory Theatre, Richmond Jazz Society and Elegba Folklore Society, the festival will also give many professional, community and school groups a chance to perform on the Symphony's new state-of-the-art outdoor stage. The festival will also highlight ART 180's annual spring showcase, The Really BIG Show, as part of the weekend's festivities.

Celebrate Jackson Ward will kick off Friday, May 20 with ART 180's spring program celebration, The Really BIG Show. This celebration will spotlight artwork created by young people at a dozen ART 180 program sites this spring. Saturday May, 21 will feature a variety of performances including: a children's performance from Virginia Repertory Theatre, Ezibu Muntu African Dance, the Richmond Symphony Youth Orchestra, various local performing arts groups and storytellers, and will be anchored by a performance of the Richmond Symphony with Virginia Repertory Theatre, Richmond

Jazz Society and Elegba Folklore Society. The festival will conclude on Sunday, May 22 with performances by local church choirs, liturgical dancers, and a mass ecumenical service representing several of Jackson Ward's churches.

The festival is intended to attract thousands of people from throughout the region over the course of the weekend. Local restaurants, craft beer, vendors, businesses and non- profits will also be featured. Festival admittance is free and open to the public.

Organizations, artists, and vendors who wish to participate in the festival should go to celebratejacksonwardrva.com to complete an interest form. There will be limited performance time availability. Entry fees may apply to participating vendors.

Sponsor, business partnership and individual support opportunities are also available. For more information, please visit celebratejacksonwardrva.com or call 804.788.4717.