Meet the Man Behind Midwest R&B Fest
Juneteenth Celebrations Are Underway Across Kansas
Welcome to this edition of The Weekend Voice, The Community Voice’s weekly guide to events, entertainment, culture and community activities across Wichita, Kansas City and communities throughout Kansas.
This week we’re launching the Juneteenth season with our 2026 Juneteenth Event Guide, featuring celebrations across Kansas and the Kansas City metro.
Since Juneteenth became a federal holiday in 2021, the number and size of celebrations have continued to grow. This year alone, we’ve identified more than 40 Juneteenth events across Kansas and the Kansas City metro, with celebrations taking place over four weekends.
Whether you attend an event close to home or take a road trip to another community’s celebration, we encourage you to get involved, meet new people, support local organizations and businesses, and celebrate alongside communities from across the region.
Click the link below to explore our Juneteenth Guide, find a celebration to enjoy, and bookmark the guide for easy reference throughout the Juneteenth season.
JUNETEENTH GUIDE
The Voice Third Annual Juneteenth Road Trip Is Underway
Each year, The Community Voice’s Editor-in-Chief, Bonita Gooch, hits the road to experience Juneteenth celebrations across Kansas and the Kansas City metro. It’s our way of connecting with readers, meeting new people and sharing the stories, traditions and community spirit that make each celebration unique.
This year, Bonita is planning an ambitious 21-stop Juneteenth Road Trip. So don’t be surprised if you see her with a camera, microphone or notebook in hand. Along with taking photos and shooting video, she’ll be recording interviews for our new Community Voices series.
The road trip kicks off Saturday, June 6 with stops at the Kansas City Juneteenth Parade in the historic 18th & Vine District, the Johnson County Juneteenth Celebration, and then she’s back to Wichita for the 4th Annual R&B Fest.
Things are just getting started. The road trip really shifts into high gear June 12-14.
If you see Bonita along the way, be sure to stop and say hello and smile pretty for the picture.
If you’ve ever wondered who’s behind the Midwest R&B Fest, meet Tom Griffin.
Griffin comes by it naturally. The Wichita native grew up in a family with deep roots in the city’s entertainment and nightclub scene, giving him a firsthand look at what it takes to bring people together for a great night of music and fun.
In 2022, he launched the Midwest R&B Fest at The Wave, drawing about 2,000 fans. Four years later, the event has grown into one of the region’s premier R&B gatherings, with thousands expected Saturday at the Capitol Federal Amphitheater in Andover.
If you’re planning to attend, here’s the expected lineup for the even this Sat., June 6 at the Andover Amphitheater.
6:30 p.m. — Hurricane Bleu
7:00 p.m. — Rome
7:45 p.m. — Jacquees
9:15 p.m. — Lyfe Jennings
10:00 p.m. — Kelly Prices.
FEATURE
Think FIFA World Cup 2026 is only for soccer fans? Think again.
When the tournament comes to Kansas City on June 11, it will bring far more than matches. The city is planning free fan festivals, giant watch parties, concerts, food experiences and cultural celebrations that will stretch from Downtown and the Crossroads to 18th & Vine and communities across the metro.
At the center of it all will be the free FIFA Fan Festival at the National WWI Museum and Memorial, where visitors can watch matches on giant screens, enjoy live entertainment and sample Kansas City barbecue and international cuisine.
And if soccer isn’t your thing? That’s okay. For one month, Kansas City will become an international gathering place filled with visitors, music, food and festivals.
We’ve rounded up the best places to experience FIFA — with or without a match ticket.
Read the full story for fan festival details, concert schedules, watch party locations and registration information.
Read the News Story Online
The Urban League Juneteenth Day of Restoration
FEATURE
Beyond the Jazz: Two Theater Productions Bring New Energy to 18th & Vine
When people think of 18th & Vine, they usually think of jazz. But this summer, two stage productions are adding a new dimension to one of Kansas City’s most important cultural districts.
One brings the poetry, music and voices of the Harlem Renaissance to life inside the Blue Room at the American Jazz Museum. The other tells the remarkable true story of Sarah Rector, the Black girl who became a millionaire at age 11 after oil was discovered on her land.
One show is nearing its final curtain. The other is just getting started. Find out what’s happening on stage at 18th & Vine — and why theater is becoming part of the district’s evolving story.
Check out more events on our online calendar @ communityvoiceks.com
A curated selection of events from our online calendar.
Wichita
LIVE CONCERT: Midwest R & B Fest. Performing Live – Jacques, Kelly Price, Lyfe Jennings& Rome (June 6, 6p.m.-10p.m)
COMMUNITY CAUSE: District 1 Breakfast: Housing & Homelessness. Council Member Joseph Shepard for the District 1 Breakfast as we discuss one of the most important issues facing our community: (June 6, 9a.m.-11a.m.)
COMMUNITY SOCIAL: FREE ICE CREAM SOCIALS – Celebrating Wichita Library’s 150th anniversary. The Friends of the Wichita Public Library (FWPL) volunteers are celebrating the Wichita Library’s 150th anniversary this summer with seven free events. (June 6, 1p.m.-2;30p.m.)
FUN FOR KIDS : Storytime in the Park – Celebrating Wichita Library’s 150th anniversary. Read along with stories on the big screen at Naftzger Park and enjoy music, snacks, free books and an activity for the kids. Storytime in the Park is a partnership between Storytime Village and Wichita Park & Recreation.
(June 9, 10a.m.-p.m.)
Kansas City
LIVE MUSIC: Live Music Fridays. Enjoy an evening of live music featuring local artists on Fridays at Kansas City’s Premier Social Club located in Historic Wonder Building. (June 5, 8p.m.-11p.m.)
18TH & VINE JAZZ DISTRICT: Summer Edition: Kansas City Jazz Alive 18th and Vine Walking Tour. A walking tour of one of Kansas City’s most historic neighborhoods; 18th & Vine Jazz District. (June 6, 10a.m.-12p.m.)
VENDOR FAIR: First Saturdays at Keystone: Artist & Vendor Market + Live Music. A free monthly artist & vendor market with live music, DJs, food trucks, and youth arts programming in the heart of Kansas City. (June 6. 3p.m.-10p.m.)
FAMILY FUN: Skating With the Alphas Hot Summer Nights: Ice Cold Roll. The Brothers of Omicron Xi Lambda are bringing the city together for a night of family, fun, and smooth skating vibes! (June 7, 6p.m.-8p.m.)
Our online calendar is free to use, and we regularly feature calendar events in our newsletters. Want more reach? Ask about advertising opportunities.
The Weekend Voice is The Community Voice’s weekend guide to entertainment, culture, festivals, family activities and community events across Wichita, Kansas City and surrounding communities. Each edition features handpicked recommendations, event highlights and ideas for making the most of your weekend.
GIVE US YOUR FEEDBACK!
How are we doing? Leave us a message and let us know what you think of our newsletters. What would you like to see more or less of? If someone forwarded you this newsletter, sign up here! To advertise your business, event, or nonprofit, email hill@tcvpub.com