By Tricia Hall
The Truth Reporter
Toledo came out to celebrate the 19th annual African American Festival presented by the African American Music Fest. The weekend concluded with a spectacular music festival that highlighted local artists, nationally recognized entertainers and music for all ages.
The fest was held on July 20 at Huntington Center in downtown Toledo. Toledo Urban Federal Credit Union has served as the first and current sponsor; the credit union recently celebrated opening a second location on Monroe Street near the Swayne Field Shopping Center.
D.J. Lyte N Rod and hosts Montrice Terry and Valerie Simmons-Walston opened the festival with high energy and introduced all artists and entertainers throughout the evening.
“I talked to Shirley, she is glad to be here and considers herself a home town girl of Toledo,” shared Walston.
Shirley Murdock brought the house down as she sang various selections ranging from faith-based music to classics, followed by Multimedia Creative Jodie Summers, the first poet to grace the stage of the AAF. Saxophonist Mike Williams serenaded the audience and was accompanied by a full band and background singers.
“I remember when this was smaller, look at what God has done,” shared Murdock during her opening set. She was referring to the start of the AA Festival and its humble beginnings two decades ago when the event attracted only a few hundred visitors.
Comedian Kelly Williams brought the laughter to the Huntington Center between Pokey Bear’s music renditions. Raheem DeVaughn presented the 90s R&B vibe and even presented roses to women in the audience. The Zapp Band’s high energy classic show featured white suits and color coded light changes and later introduced Bootsy Collins.
The show closed out with this year’s headliners, Jagged Edge, who brought their R & B song stylings to the stage.
