June 19, 2025
Hufnagle Park, Lewisburg
5 :00- 8:00 p.m.
Welcome
Welcome by Kendy Alvarez, Mayor of Lewisburg, and Cymone Fourshey, Bucknell Professor of History and International Relations and Director of The Griot Institute for the Study of Black Lives and Cultures
MC – Rob Barkley
Pelican SnoBalls available to keep cool!
Opening Remarks
Opening remarks by Stacey Pierson-Wharton
Eric Ian Farmer
With vocals ranging between tender and hard-driving, central Pennsylvania native Eric Ian Farmer sings about relationships — mostly the struggling kind — finding one’s path in life, and social awareness while interpreting classics by artists like Marvin Gaye and Richie Havens. Eric draws inspiration as a singer from popular artists like Bill Withers and Bobby McFerrin, and his guitar playing is inspired by the percussive stylings of rock legend Bo Diddley. Connect with Eric Ian Farmer either in person or online (https://vocallygrown.com).
And Still I Rise
Performed by Lisa Rae Johnson with a drumming accompaniment by Danielle Renee Murphy.
Lisa Rae Johnson
Lisa Rae Johnson is the managing director of Atha Samadhi LLC (now Bliss). She has spent a lifetime dedicated to cultivating wellness and the arts through an exploration of yoga, poetry, theatre, writing, guest speaking, and music to inspire others to explore and share their talents with the community and the world.
Danielle Renee Murphy
Danielle Renee Murphy has a personal mission of utilizing art, music, and theatre to promote change and community healing. She has been heavily involved in both acting and directing with the Gaspipe Theatre Company in Lewisburg, as well as acting with the Community Theatre League and Studio 570 in Williamsport.
Blue River Soul and Karen Meeks
Blue River Soul featuring Karen Meeks is a diverse group of professional musicians together on a journey to play, promote and spread Love through Music!
These PA based musicians have decades of experience playing and performing a wide variety of songs from the American Songbook, 1920’s,40s, 50s, and 60s through today. Their repertoire consists of artists such as Ella Fitzgerald, Buddy Guy, Frank Sinatra, Duke Ellington, Thelonius Monk, Henry Mancini, Jerry Rafferty, Billy Joel, Sam & Dave, Aretha Franklin, Billie Holiday, Etta James, Bessie Smith, James Brown and many more. Performance genres include, Blues, Swing, Pop, Light Jazz, R & B, Funk and a fun novelty song now and again like “The Pink Panther,” for kids of all ages!
Bucknell student & Susquehanna faculty artists
Jean Marie Nisingizwe Ngabonziza – To the sea that saw it all
Monica Prince – Poetry
Others TBD
Eric Ian Farmer
With vocals ranging between tender and hard-driving, central Pennsylvania native Eric Ian Farmer sings about relationships — mostly the struggling kind — finding one’s path in life, and social awareness while interpreting classics by artists like Marvin Gaye and Richie Havens. Eric draws inspiration as a singer from popular artists like Bill Withers and Bobby McFerrin, and his guitar playing is inspired by the percussive stylings of rock legend Bo Diddley. Connect with Eric Ian Farmer either in person or online (https://vocallygrown.com).
Lisa Rae Johnson
Lisa Rae Johnson is the managing director of Atha Samadhi LLC (now Bliss). She has spent a lifetime dedicated to cultivating wellness and the arts through an exploration of yoga, poetry, theatre, writing, guest speaking, and music to inspire others to explore and share their talents with the community and the world.
Blue River Soul and Karen Meeks
Blue River Soul featuring Karen Meeks is a diverse group of professional musicians together on a journey to play, promote and spread Love through Music!
These PA based musicians have decades of experience playing and performing a wide variety of songs from the American Songbook, 1920’s,40s, 50s, and 60s through today. Their repertoire consists of artists such as Ella Fitzgerald, Buddy Guy, Frank Sinatra, Duke Ellington, Thelonius Monk, Henry Mancini, Jerry Rafferty, Billy Joel, Sam & Dave, Aretha Franklin, Billie Holiday, Etta James, Bessie Smith, James Brown and many more. Performance genres include, Blues, Swing, Pop, Light Jazz, R & B, Funk and a fun novelty song now and again like “The Pink Panther,” for kids of all ages!
Closing Announcements
Sinners at The Campus Theatre
The Griot Institute is sponsoring 50 free tickets! Please visit the Griot table starting at 5:00 pm.
Between 5:00 – 8:00 p.m.
Enjoy a delicious dinner from our downtown Lewisburg restaurant partners!
The first 150 snoballs from Pelican’s SnoBalls are free!
Grab your next read at the Griot Institute book giveaway – while supplies last!
Have family fun with children’s activities – sidewalk chalk and hula hoops!
Enjoy lawn games for all!
And check out the vendors!
