Gettysburg marked Juneteenth with an evening of powerful music and community spirit on Sunday, as nationally renowned jazz and blues artist Antoinette Montague took the stage in a performance that blended joy, history, and resilience.
Held as part of a two-day Juneteenth celebration, the concert began with stirring solo performances by local vocalists Monisola Page and Sydney Moon. Page delivered a haunting rendition of “Strange Fruit,” the iconic protest song made famous by Billie Holiday, while Moon followed with a soulful interpretation of Stevie Wonder’s “Living for the City.” Both songs set the tone for an evening rooted in reflection and hope.
Gettysburg Major Rita Frealing and resident Daryl Jones spoke of the meaning of Juneteenth and the importance of its celebration in Gettysburg.
Montague, who hails from Newark, New Jersey, is known for creating more than just concerts—she crafts what she calls “experiences.” Backed by a band of accomplished musicians and joined by charismatic tap dancer AC Lincoln, she delivered a high-energy set that kept the audience engaged and often on their feet. Her set ranged from the uplifting “Lift Every Voice and Sing” to the infectious groove of “Dance to the Music.”
Juneteenth commemorates June 19, 1865, the day enslaved people in Galveston, Texas were finally informed of their emancipation—two and a half years after President Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation. As a federal holiday, Juneteenth is now observed across the country as a time to honor the legacy of Black Americans and to reaffirm the ongoing pursuit of equality.
Fantastic production! “Living for the City” was a highlight, but there were many others, as well.