Richmond Tradition Kicks Off 2018 Season at Dogwood Dell on June 3

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.