Juneteenth (short for “June Nineteenth”) marks the day in 1865 when federal troops arrived in Galveston, Texas to take control of the state and ensure that all enslaved people were now free. The troops’ arrival came two and a half years after the signing of the Emancipation Proclamation by President Lincoln. The end of slavery in the United States is celebrated on Juneteenth and is considered the longest-running African American holiday.

On June 17, 2021, President Biden signed the law, and Juneteeth is now a Federal Holiday.

The St. Augustine Music Festival (SAMF) is bringing together world-class musicians and multi-community choirs to honor Freedom Day with an inspiring selection of spirituals and classical works all rejoicing in the triumphs of the Civil Rights Movement.

Pianist Terrence Wilson will headline the June 19th performance.

“We are honored to work with the African American music community to develop a program celebrating the songs and music of freedom,” said Jorge Peña, SAMF’s artistic director. He added, “Thanks to our amazing donors, we are able to offer these concerts free of charge and allow all people to experience the uplifting sounds of instrumental and choral music.”

Reservations are available for free on Eventbrite