Loveland's 5th Annual Juneteenth Celebration
Saturday, June 14th from 3:30pm- 6:30pm @ Crooked Beech Brewing Company
Hosted by Heart & Sol of Loveland
Join us for an educational and celebratory community event
Speakers & Performers:
Candace Oates - Emcee
Ms. Oates is OAA's Board Vice President and Co-Founder of OAA Candace holds a bachelor's in International Advertising and Marketing from Ball State University and is currently working on her MBA. She holds 3 American Council of Exercise (ACE) Certifications as a Personal Trainer, Group Fitness Instructor, and Health Coach. Ms. Oates has also certified as a life wellness coach, women exercise and metabolism specialist, TRX Suspension coach, landline coach, strength bands coach, kettlebell coach, Total Body Transformation specialist, Form and Function Consultant, and a registered Diabetes Prevention Specialist. Candace received her certificate as a Motivational Speaker at the International Association of Professions Career College. Ms. Oates is a certified Yoga Instructor, Barre Instructor, and has previously taught Silver Sneakers and water aerobic classes. Ms. Oates holds monthly in person and Zoom Health Coaching sessions with an emphasis of the importance of living a healthier well-balanced lifestyle. Ms. Oates teaches the Colorado based youth educational health and wellness program, Awareness Bound, on behalf of OAA.
Evan Lowe - Performer
Evan Lowe is a social work educator, advisor, and artist with a Master’s Degree in Social Work from Colorado State University. Since 2016, Evan has served in various roles at CSU, including academic advising, managing online certificate programs, and teaching courses such as Dismantling Privilege and Oppression. His work in higher education is driven by a commitment to equity, critical reflection, and community-building. Beyond academia, Evan is a passionate poet and musician who has been writing and performing since 2006. His performances—delivered across Colorado, in Canada, and for numerous organizations and events—draw deeply from themes of social justice, personal struggle, and raw emotional expression. Through both his teaching and his art, Evan strives to challenge systems of oppression, elevate marginalized voices, and connect with others through authenticity and shared humanity. .
Json Martin - Performer
Json Martin is a gifted artist specializing in Hip Hop, Neo Soul, R&B, and Gospel, and has proven himself to be a multi-talented threat. Singer, slam poet, rapper, pianist, sound engineer, and producer. Originally from the United Kingdom, Json Martin has made his name known both on the local scene of Colorado as well as the regional. He has performed at a variety of venues, and festivals Including Cervantes Masterball Room, The Roxy Theater, the Loft, Colorado Springs City Auditorium, Stargazers, Colorado Springs World Arena. Json Martin has also been on stage and opened with a wide range of other talented artist, such names as Rick Ross, Vedo, Jon B, Tony Exum a national recognized saxophonist. And Shed G famous actor and comic from the Tyler Perry's Madea series. As an African American activist Json Martin is also a regional as well as state champion of spoken word poetry. And even competing in the national NAACP’s ACTSO. With none other than the CEO of Def Poetry Jam as his judge. His Spoken word has also attracted many other historical names to join him on stage. Such names as the Tuskegee airman. And Carlota Walls who was the youngest of nine to integrate little rock.
Riaga - Performer
Aurora, Colorado based Singer, Rapper, Producer and Engineer. Riaga has been known for his extensive journey as an Emcee. However, in recent times, Riaga has become a rising Star in the World Genres of Reggaetón & Afrobeats. His Melodic taste and fluent delivery alongside his textural execution both in his songs & live stage performances has become such a prominent force in the Latin & Afro Genres of music. So much so that he has made multiple festival appearances within less than a year, alongside a recent break into International waters with his first performance outside of the US in Rosarito, Mexico. From Open Mics in dive bars to the biggest stages in front of thousands of people nationwide, Riaga is slowly taking the world by storm with his unique cultural outlook on Reggaetón & Afrobeats.
Scrappy Breakers Crew! - Performers
Established in 2012, School of Breaking serves as a cornerstone in Breaking and Hip-Hop education in Aurora and throughout Colorado. Rooted in authenticity, our mission is to nurture and safeguard the rich legacy of Hip-Hop, drawing inspiration from its deep-seated connections to Black and Latino heritage, and fostering a vibrant community that thrives on these cultural ties. Positively influencing our community through rhythm, movement, art and knowledge, our objective is to provide students with comprehensive skills to delve into various aspects of Hip-Hop culture including Breaking, DJing, MCing, and Graffiti. We strive to create an atmosphere where students can freely express themselves without fear of judgment, reinforcing the values of discipline, originality, and respect. We’ve seen firsthand the transformative impact our work has on our students’ physical, mental, and emotional well-being.
Valerie Peaches Embry - Performer
Originally from Gary, Indiana, Valerie Peaches Embry was raised in a predominantly black, blue-collar community, influenced by strong traditions and music from the south. Family, church and neighborhood meant everything and made up her firm foundation. Music has always been a part of her life. Music is an avenue for sharing oneself with others. Music helps provide insight into others, different cultures, situations and more. She finds that in songwriting, she is able to layer her vocal, emotional and mental voices. Performing music allows her to connect from her soul with others.