The 9th Annual Lincoln Park Music Festival July 25th - July 27th

The 9th Annual Lincoln Park Music Festival included a range of multi-cultural entertainers performing a wide range of musical forms including those of Jazz, 10th Annual “Newark Idol”  Youth Showcase, Gospel, House, Hip-Hop and sounds from the African Diaspora; health and sustainable market place, arts and craft vendors; local restaurants and food vendors, and organic farmer’s market products.  For children the festival will offer games, storytelling, golf, basketball and skateboard clinics and a host of family oriented activities.

We kicked off the music festival on Friday July 25th with "An Afternoon of Jazz" which paid tribute to the late Amiri Baraka. The program featured performances by "The NewArkestra" which included: Director Alfred Patterson,  Adegoke Steve Colson, Rene McLean, Gene Ghee, James Stewart, Carlos Francis, Anthony Nelson, Calvin Hill, Vince Ector and vocalist Pat Tan.

The next program was the "10th Annual Newark Idol" which was hosted by YOPAT’s founder, Susu Stewart and the 1st Newark Idol Winner Nicole Vanessa Ortiz. The judges for the program were: Los Angeles Sparks player Tamecka Dixon, actor Michael Williams and Love & Hip Hop star Mama Jones.

Ending the opening night was "An Evening of Gospel" which was hosted by: Toya Beasley. The program featured an evening featuring local, regional and national recording gospel artists including Stefanie Minatee and Jubilation Choir, Kevin Fulmore & Praise Works, Kenny Bobien, Shaun L. Mills, Vincent Walker & Tyrone Ellis and River of Living Waters.   

On Saturday July 26th, the most anticipated program of the weekend, "A Celebration of House Music" kicked off. The program was hosted by: “The Legendary “Ms. Theresa Randolph and “Slaag Records Recording Artist “Mr. Eddie Nicholas”. The DJs performing included: DJ Teddy Douglas from Basement Boys, DJ Naeem Johnson, DJ Lou Gorbea, DJ Pookey, and DJ Barry B. The An Artist Showcase featuring the fabulous Ms. Melba Moore, Byron Stingily, CeCe Rogers, Chinah Blac & Tia Holt. Live percussionists throughout the day.

The festival ended on Sunday July 27th with "Hip Hop in Lincoln Park" The program was hosted by: Ed Lover & Sah B . The artists that performed were: Kazzie Pop, DJ Wallah of Hot 97, DMC Champion the legendary DJ Cheese, Dupre’ Kelly aka “Du It All”, of Lords of the Underground & 211 Media Group. In addition, Allhiphop.com presented the ’Breeding Ground” which included Chris Skillz, JY, Soul Khan, Audible Doctor, Brown Bag AllStars, Senica Da Misfit, Rasheed Chappell, Final Outlaw, Jasiri X, Joyner Lucas, Mitch Littlez, Silent Knight & Rebel Dia