Great time in the studio last evening recording the kdhx podcast Tangazo!---- 

Broadcast friend Laka Pronounced Lay-ka, joins me for an insightful discussion about upcoming Juneteenth celebrations and the exciting play “Club Riviera!” -----

We’re talking with Robert Green, event coordinator, for the Fairgrounds Park Juneteenth Freedom Fest, happening Sunday afternoon June 19th. Green is no doubt a visionary, who’s annual African Arts Festival has grown to become one of the best in the country. He’s betting on a huge turnout for his Fairgrounds park Juneteenth Celebration and hoping that it reminds African Americans, who have deserted north St. Louis, that it’s time to come home to reclaim their black communities, before they are redeveloped and gentrified. -----

Freeman Word, is the playwright for “Club Riviera” which debuts at the Grandel Square Theater June 23-24. -----

The play tells the story of the powerful ward boss Jordan Chambers, who controlled black politics in St. Louis from 1944-1964.-----

His club Riviera, in the 4400 block of Delmar, attracted national acts both black and white and was one of a few venues that were open to African Americans, when white performers were on stage. ----- 

Chambers, was often referred to, as the black mayor of St. Louis. His club Riviera, also served as a meeting place where black leaders coordinated their plans for the betterment of the black community.-----

This play is brought to you by “A Call to Conscience,” interactive theater for social change! -----