Contact: Christina S. Draper
Virginia Foundation for the Humanities
“Celebrating over Thirty Years of Excellence in the Humanities”
145 Ednam Drive Charlottesville, VA 22903
PH: 434-243-5528 FAX: 434-296-4714
Email: cdraper@virginia.edu
www.virginiafoundation.org
For Immediate Release
June German Ball
Martinsville, Virginia – Friday, June 16th- Saturday, June 17th, 2006
The June German Ball in Martinsville was more than a dance; it was a cultural icon. The excitement began in 1938, when the June German Ball featured Jimmie Lunceford and his special June German Band with continuous music by Jew Scales. The Ball was the brain child of Dr. Dana O. Baldwin, a local African American physician, and his brothers. Held on Baldwin's block, this eagerly anticipated, annual event lasted until the 1960’s. Today, the June German Ball is remembered as one of the most celebrated events ever held on Fayette Street.
The June German Ball will bring the joyous sounds of swing to the stage once again this year. However, not only will the Ball represent the resurgence of an icon, it will serve as sign of the successful conclusion of the partnership between the Virginia Foundation for the Humanities (VFH) and the Fayette Area Historical Initiative (FAHI). During the last two years, the partnership, made possible through a grant by the Harvest Foundation and the national Public Welfare Foundation has been examining and interpreting the Fayette Street experience through a variety of public programs, lectures, and exhibitions.
In addition to the June German Ball, an exhibition entitled: Fayette Street: A Hundred Years of African American Life in Martinsville 1905-2005 will be presented along with an accompanying 120-page printed pictorial catalog. The weekend will kick-off with a lasting tribute to the Fayette Street era with the dedication of a highway historical marker on Friday, June 16th.
The mission of FAHI is —to encourage people to examine their history in order to develop a brighter future for themselves and their community. As the partnership reaches conclusion, FAHI continues to illuminate and celebrate the history of Fayette Street and its surrounding communities. In commemoration of this history, the culminating events include:
Friday, June 16, 2006
10:30 a.m.—Dedication of Fayette Street Historical Marker
Ceremony to be held on the corner of Market and Fayette Streets
Saturday, June 17, 2006
10:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.—Festival Field Events -corner of Market & Fayette Streets
This event is free and open to the public. Festival events will include musical selections, a variety of orators, and vendors.
*Saturday, June 17, 2006
7:30 p.m. June German Ball—Forest Park Country Club
*Tickets are $25/person. Proceeds from ticket sales will go to the FAHI African American Cultural Center.
###