The lineup has been announced for the Sunset Music and Education Foundation’s (SMEF) Juneteenth Celebration during XOXO Palm Springs, bringing an afternoon of music, storytelling, poetry, dance, live jazz, and community spirit to Revolution Stage Company on Saturday, June 20, from 2–4 PM.
Hosted by award-winning actress, vocalist, poet, and storyteller Sweet Baby J’ai, the free community gathering will feature an inspiring mix of artists, educators, culture-bearers, students, and civic voices for an afternoon honoring freedom, resilience, creativity, and cultural connection.
“Music, art, storytelling, and dance have always carried our history forward,” said Sweet Baby J’ai, CEO and Executive Artistic Director of SMEF. “This gathering is about honoring where we’ve been, celebrating who we are, and creating space for community, culture, healing, and hope.”
Juneteenth commemorates June 19, 1865, when enslaved African Americans in Galveston, Texas finally learned of their freedom — more than two years after the Emancipation Proclamation had been signed. Today, the observance continues as both a celebration and reflection on the ongoing journey toward equality, opportunity, education, artistic expression, and civic engagement.
This year’s celebration features a diverse lineup of performers, speakers, and community voices including powerhouse vocalist Keisha D, acclaimed visual artist Bernard Hoyes, soulful R&B vocalist Gennine Francis, artist and community leader Charles Huff, attorney and civic leader Anyse Smith, and educator and former college president Dr. Linda Oubré.
The afternoon will also showcase Open Call award winners Patan Huang, a gifted young pianist, and Swara D’Souza, a dynamic young dancer. Community voices Reverend Perry Lang, acclaimed poet Doris Reed, and the inimitable singer/pianist Yve Evans, will also participate in the program, alongside an important update regarding reparations for Section 14 survivors.
Opening the afternoon will be master drummer Oneko, whose rhythms and ancestral instruments will help set the tone for the celebration through music, movement, remembrance, and joy.
Throughout the afternoon, SMEF will present instruments to local youth through its SMARTS Initiative (Sharing Music, Accessing Resources, Transforming Students), reinforcing the organization’s mission to transform lives through music and education.
The weekend also offers an opportunity to honor the elders, ancestors, and community voices who helped carry freedom forward.
The Juneteenth Celebration is free and open to the public, though tickets are required due to limited seating.
Sponsors include Guitar Center Foundation, The Barker Foundation, Brothers of the Desert, The Mod Squad at Windermere Realty, Locs by Sarah, and Revolution Stage Company. Guests will also have the opportunity to participate in raffles featuring prizes and gifts from SMEF’s Community Impact Partners and local supporters.
EVENT DETAILS
Saturday, June 20, 2026 2 PM – 4 PM – Doors open at 1:30 Revolution Stage Company Palm Springs, CA
Cocktails, wine, and beverages will be available for purchase at the Revolution Stage bar.
FREE & Open to the Public | Reservations Required
For tickets and information, visit: www.sunsetmusic.org
ABOUT SMEF
The Sunset Music & Education Foundation (SMEF) transforms lives through music and education. Through concerts, festivals, scholarships, mentorship, and the SMARTS Initiative, SMEF creates pathways for emerging artists while building community through the arts.
