Your Music Guide to the 2021 2nd Street Festival

The 2nd Street Festival returns this fall, live and in person, Saturday and Sunday, October 2-3. Marking its 33rd year, the FREE community festival celebrates the rich culture of the historic Jackson Ward neighborhood in Downtown Richmond with live music, programming and more. Explore and learn more about some of the musical artists who will be performing at the festival in our feature below!

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We ask everyone to be a good neighbor and show kindness to one another by following our health and safety guidelines, encouraging you to be vaccinated, wear a mask, and maintain distancing while attending the festival.

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For over 50 years, Richmond saxophonist, songwriter and producer J. Plunky Branch has been at the vanguard of Afro-centric jazz, funk, R&B, house music, and go-go, weaving these interrelated musical forms into a forward-looking message of empowerment, positivity, and cultural awareness. Along with his band, Plunky & Oneness, he has appeared in concert with some of the biggest names in Black music, including Patti Labelle, Ray Charles, Earth Wind & Fire, Frankie Beverly & Maze, LL Cool J, Chuck Brown, and more. His song “Every Way But Loose” was a top-ten soul music chart hit in London in the 1980’s and his hit single, “Drop,” was released in 2007. He also wrote “2nd Street Jaunt,” a song that Venture Richmond used in TV commercials promoting the 2019 festival.

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Song to Check Out: "2nd Street Jaunt"

If you like Afro-Funk, you'll like Plunky & Oneness

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Mighty Joshua engages audiences by opening minds and activating bodies through song. Conscious lyrics flow freely to create distinctive refrains that pulse with pride against rhythms rooted in percussion. His soulful exploration in the evolution of sound creates an expression of reggae for the modern day.

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Song to Check Out: "Clean Hands"

If you like Bob Marley, you'll like Mighty Joshua

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Recently named one of the final nominees for a 2021 NAACP Image Award for “Outstanding Jazz Album” for his newest release, Donny, Duke, & Wonder, Nathan Mitchell is a Billboard-charting multi-instrumentalist known for his achievements in smooth jazz.

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Song to Check Out: "Swing City"

If you like Smooth Jazz, you'll like Nathan Mitchell

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“I Would Die 4 U” is a tribute band celebrating the incomparable music of Prince. Accompanied by an incredibly talented 9-piece band under the musical direction of Neal Perrine, I Would Die 4 U performs all the fans' favorite hits.

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If you like Prince, you'll like I Would Die 4 U

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The Krewe is an eight-member band based out of Richmond, Virginia. Performing since 1996, The Krewe delivers musical selections from the funk, pop, jazz, and rap and blues genres. Inspired by acclaimed artists such as The Temptations, Bruno Mars, and Earth, Wind & Fire, The Krewe is a refreshing drink of soulful water.

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If you like Earth, Wnd & Fire, you'll like J Tucker and The Krewe

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The VUU Gospel Choir is an award-winning ensemble that lifts the energies and spirits of anyone who hears their music.

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Song to Check Out: "Every Praise"

If you like Hezekiah Walker, you'll like VUU Gospel Choir

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WAVERLY R. CRAWLEY MAIN STAGE (sponsored by Virginia Union University)

11:50 – 12:35pm: N.F.U.S.I.O.N.Z.

1:10 – 2:10pm: I Would Die 4 U: A Musical Tribute to PRINCE

2:30 – 3:00pm: Dancing with Mama D

3:30 – 4:30pm: DJ Drake and MC Choco

5:30 - 7:00p: Plunky & Oneness

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JOE KENNEDY JR. JAZZ STAGE

12:00 - 1:15pm: Joe Kennedy Jr. Scholarship Recipient, Chet Frierson

1:45 - 2:45pm: Debra Dean & The Key West Band

3:15 - 4:15pm: Saxsmo “Stepping Out”

4:45 - 6:00pm: Nathan Mitchell

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EGGLESTON HOTEL COMMUNITY STAGE

12:00 – 12:10pm: Welcome - Historic Jackson Ward Association- Janis Allen

12:30 – 1:10pm: Young Prince Charles

1:40 – 2:00pm: Richmond Urban Dance Company

2:30 – 3:30pm: Bak N Da Day

4:00 – 5:00pm: Drew Miles and Company

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WAVERLY R. CRAWLEY MAIN STAGE (sponsored by Virginia Union University)

1:00 – 1:30pm: James Johnson Jr

2:00 – 2:30pm: Virginia Union University Gospel Choir

3:00 – 4:00pm: J Tucker and The Krewe

4:45 – 6:00pm: Mighty Joshua

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JOE KENNEDY JR. JAZZ STAGE

1:00 - 1:50pm: Ashby Anderson’s Vibe

2:10 - 3:10pm: Larri Branch Agenda

3:30 - 4:30pm: Jazz In The Spirit

5:00 - 6:00pm: Curv Appeal

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EGGLESTON HOTEL COMMUNITY STAGE

1:30 – 2:00pm: Chiquita Cross

2:30 – 3:15pm: DJ Milk D

3:50- 4:30pm: Glennroy & Company

5:00 –6:00pm: Testiphy Band

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The 2nd Street Festival is presented by the City of Richmond, Dominion Energy, Altria, NewMarket Corp. and ONE Casino + Resort. The 2nd Street Festival is sponsored by Virginia Union University, Brown Distributing, Capital One, VPM, CarMax, Community Foundation, CoStar Group, Radio One Richmond, NBC12 and CW Richmond, Richmond Times-Dispatch, and Harrell & Chambliss LLC & Ballato Law Firm. Venture Richmond Events, LLC is a subsidiary of Venture Richmond, Inc.