BETHLEHEM, Pennsylvania — Organizers of the new arts and music festival aim to highlight the talent of black and Latino artists.
Rebel Fest will be held on June 24 from noon to 10 p.m. at the Daniel E. Rice Memorial Square (123 W. Lehigh St.).
- Rebel Festival features local R&B and hip-hop artists
- The event will be held from noon to 10 p.m. at the Daniel E. Rice Memorial in Bethlehem.
- Admission is free
“Renaissance of Creativity”
The event will be hosted by Amber Robinson, Laura Rodriguez and Denzel Rodriguez, owners of production company Rebellious and nonprofit Rebellious Dreams Fund.
They founded a nonprofit that shines a light on local women and minority-led artists and musicians.
“The Lehigh Valley and Pocono area is in the midst of a creative renaissance,” said Denzel Rodriguez, executive director of Reverias. “We have a network of artists who are passionate about their work and want to give them a platform to show their art to a large audience.”
“At the same time, we are bringing our community together through music and art,” said Laura Rodriguez, Denzel’s mother and president of Dreams Fun. “The committees and board are led primarily by Black women, and the Rebellious Dreams Fund is a Black and Latino-founded organization.”
Neo-funk and R&B
Denzel, or “Zell,” will perform some of his new R&B songs at the event.
Joining him are hip-hop and neo-funk artists such as Sebastian Mikael, Fleur Child, Sunny, Vincena, McSamily, Bekah Elaine, Shadurotesa, Melady, Sol Katana, ROZSE, Sharmanek, Mack Ville and LA. A combination of artists.
DJ Bez Musiq on Loud Radio, 106.9 FM/99.5 FM, DJ Summer Nights spins a mix of Afrobeats, house music and top 40 chart top artists.
The Lehigh Valley and Pocono area is in the midst of a creative renaissance. We have a network of artists who are passionate about their work and want to give them a platform to show their art to a large audience. “
Denzel Rodriguez, Executive Director, Rebellious Dreams Fund
Fun for all ages
Along with the songs, there will also be an artist section selling paintings, photographs and other works handpicked by Stroudsburg’s Create and Be Studio.
Additionally, there will be paint-by-numbers craft sessions for kids and adults, as well as a festive “playground” featuring arcade games, free-throw basketball, a Giant Connect 4 setup, and a selfie station.
Confirmed food vendors include Mamason’s Cheesesteak Hut, Grabnight Food Truck, Carinderia on Wheels, and Warrior’s Pizza.
Admission is free. VIP tickets (with alcoholic beverages and access to match tickets) are also available starting at $20.