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A Richmond tradition continues this summer at Dogwood Dell as the City’s Department of Parks, Recreation and Community Facilities (PRCF) presents the 62nd Festival of heARTS. This year’s festival has a slight name change to the Festival of heARTS, as it is a summer long celebration of the volunteers who helped present this cultural treasure for more than 60 years.
The 62nd Festival of heARTS kicks off on Sunday, June 3 at 7 p.m. as the United States Coast Guard Band performs works by Sousa, Bernstein, Puts, Marquez and others. Other musical artists performing this summer include Carlton Blount and One Amazing Night of Music, Cyrus McCormick and the Reapers, Plunky and Oneness, Janet Martin Band, Trademark, Military All-Stars Concert Band, Dead Give Away, the Orquestra Tropikiimba and many more. Father’s Day, June 17, is certainly a highlight of the summer series as a variety of local musicians display their talents during the Showcase of Richmond Open Mic Night All-Stars.
The 62nd Festival of heARTS also features the excitement and creativity of dance with performances by Elegba Folklore Society, Coleman Collective and PRCF’s City Dance Theater.
PRCF is proud to present this year’s theatrical production of “The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee”. This musical comedy will be performed on July 27 - 29 and August 3 and 4.
One of the biggest gospel events on the East Coast hits the Dell stage as host Sheilah Belle is joined by a multitude of gospel performers for the 9th Annual Gospel Music Fest.
On August 11, the summer series will welcome the new Afro Festival at Pine Camp Arts and Community Center. The Afro Festival is a celebration of the diversity and culture of the African community.
Highlighting this year’s Festival or heARTS is the city’s annual Fourth of July Celebration at the Dell. Celebrate our nation’s independence with musical performances by the Richmond Concert Jazz Group and the Richmond Concert Band as fireworks light up the sky.
The 62nd Festival of heARTS will entertain the entire family, and guests should arrive early to secure seats in the outdoor amphitheater. Picnics are encouraged; however, pets, alcohol or glass containers are not allowed. Dogwood Dell, 1301 Blanton Avenue, is located within Byrd Park.
Click here for a complete listing of this year’s lineup and for more information or call the Dell Information Line at (804) 646-DELL, or follow PRCF on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
The Richmond Department of Parks, Recreation & Community Facilities (PRCF) is pleased to announce a partnership with the Excel 2 Excellence Youth Football League (E2E) that will begin this fall. The partnership will promote youth fundamental development and drive performance on the field, in school and within the community.
As a result of the partnership, participants in the city’s youth football program will have access to positive role models, from the NFL as well as accomplished community professionals. The role models will emphasis learning, playing and enjoying the sport while stressing the importance of academic achievement and community involvement.
E2E is a Richmond metropolitan community youth football organization that develops players' skills and abilities with a focus on team by cultivating leadership characteristics and improved academic performance. Super Bowl Champion Michael Robinson, of the National Football League’s Seattle Seahawks, established E2E in 2010.
“Opportunity is very important and I want to help ensure that every child has their opportunity for success. Through this partnership, we will help city youth develop into the healthy, educated leaders of tomorrow, said Robinson.
“Youth sports present a tremendous learning opportunity. Sports instill life changing character traits, such as team work, leadership, humility and fair play,” said Richmond Mayor Levar Stoney. “With the E2E program, city youth will gain valuable insight from positive role models while competing for an opportunity to perform on a national stage.”
This fall, PRCF’s entire 14U division will play in the E2E league and be completely managed by E2E Football. PRCF teams will continue to play each other and will also play teams outside of the city with comparable skill levels. The PRCF team with the most wins will play in the E2E football playoffs with a chance to play in the Nationals in California against the Snoop Youth Football League. The E2E Football League is the exclusive partner with the Snoop Youth Football League.
All PRCF youth football divisions will play by E2E football rules and regulations this season as they prepare for full E2E program integration in the fall of 2019.
“This partnership will benefit Richmond's youth for many years to come,” said Chris Frelke, director of the city's Department of Parks, Recreation and Community Facilities. “We are building a youth football league that teaches sustainable life skills and provides opportunities for tremendous success.”
For more information on the City’s Youth Football League, contact Ray Chavis, city’s Recreation Program Coordinator, at (804) 646-1084. For more information on the E2E Youth Football League, contact E2EYouthFootball@gmail.com.
