UPDATE: The highly anticipated Roots & Rhythm Festival is returning to St. Cloud on February 28, promising to draw a record crowd of between 700 and 1,000 attendees. This vibrant celebration, initiated by local entrepreneur Jay Brown of Granny’s Southern Smokehouse, honors Black History Month and is set to be bigger and better than ever.
This year’s festival will feature the return of the popular act, The Velvet Groove Collective, known for their electrifying performances of funk, soul, and R&B hits. “They do things like Kool & the Gang and Earth, Wind & Fire,” Brown says. “Both years they have absolutely torn the house down, getting people dancing in the streets!”
With a lineup that includes various vendors, food trucks, and a car show, the festival is poised to be a highlight of the community calendar. Brown notes the festival’s growth from an initial attendance of 300-400 attendees in its first year to over 600 last year, despite scheduling conflicts with other local events.
This year’s festival will take place in downtown St. Cloud from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and admission is free. Attendees can expect a wide array of food options ranging from barbecue to cakes and tacos, with popular fare from Brown’s restaurant likely to draw long lines. “Go early, as lines often go well out the door during peak hours,” he advises.
The festival’s significance extends beyond entertainment; it serves as a platform to celebrate local Black history, including milestones like the election of Jennifer Paul, St. Cloud’s first Black City Council member. “Last year, she sponsored a proclamation to denounce St. Cloud’s reputation as a ‘Sundown Town,’” Brown explains, highlighting the festival’s role in fostering community dialogue and remembrance.
Brown, originally from Kissimmee, opened his restaurant in St. Cloud in 2018, and quickly recognized the need for a festival that celebrates the rich Black history of the area. “There was a time when we couldn’t have a festival like this,” he says. “Anything that’s fun, that gets them out of the house, people show up for, so you’ll see all kinds of faces here.”
As excitement builds for the Roots & Rhythm Festival, the community is urged to come together to celebrate culture, diversity, and unity. With the growth of this event, St. Cloud is not only honoring its past but also paving the way for a more inclusive future.
Mark your calendars for this special day, as the Roots & Rhythm Festival promises to be an unforgettable celebration of music, food, and community spirit. Don’t miss out on what is shaping up to be one of the biggest events of the year!
