Local jazz & blues legends Bobby Logan and posthumously Curtis “Papa Bear" Hatcher honored during national Juneteenth holiday

(FRESNO, CA) –Juneteenth, a historical holiday rejoicing the emancipation of enslaved African-Americans, June 19, 1865, was celebrated throughout Fresno, Ca and the surrounding areas, especially in Downtown Fresno, where the first 2-Day Juneteenth Jazz & Blues Festival commenced.

The ONME Network in partnership with the Downtown Fresno Partnership and the African-American Museum for the Juneteenth Jazz & Blues 2-Day Celebration, was inspired to use the holiday to celebrate local African-American artists who have paved the way for others; they are giving two awards during the 2-Day celebration to two Valley Greats: local celebrity jazz musician Bobby Logan and posthumously to celebrity artist, Curtis “Papa Bear” Hatcher. Both made strides nationally in the music industry despite legalized segregation, helping many local musicians of color to follow their footstep, (bios attached.)

With the help of state and local sponsors, residents enjoyed some down-home blues and jazz until the night’s end with good music and good food.

Friday night opened to a crowd of almost 800 people with blues legend Bobby Brown, accompanied by Joe Boy Walton and his Starr Choice Band. Joe Boy Walton and his band played thereafter, warming the stage for awardee and jazz legend, Bobby Logan, accompanied by Jeff Logan; the audience screamed “more,” although Logan and company had already been playing for an hour.

The following day, Saturday, June 16 opened with a tribute to late hip-hop artist, Tupac Shakir at the African-American Museum from 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM where over 50 patrons enjoyed the