K & Q Productions and the Cumberland K & Q Productions and the Cumberland County Tourism Development Authority present The Alumni Weekend Music MegaFest Friday, May 25, from 5-10 p.m. and Saturday, May 26, from 4-10 p.m. in Festival Park.

“The purpose of the event originated as a fundraising event for the E. E. Smith Alumni Association and its charity activities,” said James Simpson, executive producer of K & Q Productions. “I am an alumnus of E. E. Smith High School and part of their leadership team. Our goal is to try to raise awareness to get us into a better position as far as fundraising.”

Simpson added the event is designed to attract a cross section of ages and ethnic groups based on the music genre.

“Friday will be an old-school rhythm and blues music genre, and then, Saturday, there is a little bit of hip-hop intermingled with R & B,” said Simpson. “Then we have a jazz flavoring that will lead into a Sunday after-party.”

Friday night’s lineup features The Temptations with special guests ConFunk Shun and The Gap Experience. Saturday’s lineup features BlackStreet with special guests the YingYang Twins, Pastor Troy and Mr. Cheeks.

“We will also have a live DJ that will play music in between acts for people that want to dance, and he will facilitate the dance contests,” said Simpson.

Bring your chair or blanket and enjoy good music, food and dancing at this outdoor concert during the Memorial Day weekend. Vendors will be on-site to sell their merchandise.

Beer, wine and food will be available for purchase.

The after-party is Sunday, May 27, at Bordeaux Convention Center at 7 p.m., featuring an “Evening of Jazz” with Eric Darius and special guest Black Seed. The after-party admission is $20 at the door with proof of voided Music MegaFest ticket and $25 without proof of ticket. For more information, call 910-779-2006.

Gates open Friday at 5 p.m. and Saturday at 2 p.m. Tickets cost $65; there is also a VIP package available. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit www.alumnimusicfest.com or call the event hotline at 910-778-3632.

 

PHOTO: Eric Darius