Our first event presented by the non-profit Friends Of Bez

Juneteenth Community Festival

Juneteenth Community Festival is a historic celebration of freedom with live music, room for dancing, food and drinks, and a gathering of the community that aims to educate, empower and embrace the diversity of the Black community in this region, giving people a taste of the unique expression of Black music and culture as derived from the challenges of oppression, perseverance, and hope. It’s a fun parking lots party in front of Bez Arts Hub—we’d love for you to join us!

Friends of Bez works in partnership with performing arts venue Bez Arts Hub.

Bez Arts Hub provides the space and the programs and Friends of Bez provides the support for students in need of scholarships, artists in need of residencies, concerts & events in need of subsidies/support for emerging, veteran or notable artists.

Our Juneteenth Performers

Marcus Mosely

Originally from Ralls, Texas, Marcus grew up immersed in the music and culture of the Gospel tradition.  He moved to Vancouver in 1985 and became a Canadian citizen in 2008. In 2016, he was inducted into the B.C. Entertainment Hall of Fame.

He has starred in the stage productions of Ain’t Misbehavin’, Black and Gold Revue (both Arts Cub), and Show Boat (Livent). He also created and directed It’s Time to Sing (Arts Club), a chronicle of African-American Gospel music from slavery to Carnegie Hall. He was nominated for a Jessie Richardson Award for Best Performance in a Musical.

In the studio, he has worked with Jim Byrnes and Colin James.  He also appeared in the movie Twist of Faith, and in the Holiday Heart as the singing voice of Ving Rhames.  He was the singing voice of Fluttershy in an episode of My Little Pony. More recently he has starred as the voice of Kenny G in the Big Bad Boo Production of ABC with Kenny G   which earned him a Leo nomination.

Sister J’s Soul Summit 

Are back for our 3rd annual  Juneteenth celebrations and they definitely bring the funk! We are thrilled to have them back! Their understated description on their Facebook page says, “Live band based in Metro Vancouver. Bringing yesterday's Funk, Soul and R&B favourites to today!”

Bez Gospel Choir

Now in their 2nd year, BGC features local voices and stellar vocal arrangements by director Lincoln Tatem. Old school tunes, and contempory songs delivered with power and passion and a high energy backing band.