CINCINNATI — Gospel star Donnie McClurkin and veteran funk group Cameo will headline this year’s Midwest Regional Black Family Reunion, organizers announced Thursday.
The 28th annual celebration will be held Aug. 19-21 at several locations in Cincinnati, including Sawyer Point, Yeatman’s Cove, the Sharonville Convention Center and others. The three-day event, which typically draws 20,000 people, includes live music and family-friendly festivities along the riverfront, as well as a job fair and parade.
Cameo, which gained fame with hits including “Word Up!” and "Candy," is scheduled to perform from 6-8 p.m. Aug. 20 at Sawyer Point.
McClurkin has won three Grammy Awards and has his own syndicated radio show. He will host an outdoor Sunday morning service at Sawyer Point at 10 a.m. Aug. 21. Nu Vision and DJ Brandon Smith will perform with McClurkin later that day, starting at 5 p.m.
“The Midwest Black Family Reunion provides a safe, positive environment, emotionally and physically,” said event organizer Tracey Artis in a news release. “Besides the annual parade and live music draw, many people don’t realize we host health, arts and spirituality pavilions. We even offer free mammograms.”
For more information visit www.myblackfamilyreunion.org, or call 513-247-0205. The full schedule of events is below.
FRIDAY, AUG. 19
8:30-10:30 a.m.: Heritage Breakfast / Opening Ceremony
The Word of Deliverance Ministries for the World, 693 Fresno Road, Forest Park
Keynote speaker: The Rev. Dr. Otis Moss Jr.
Free for attendees (First come, first served)11 a.m.-2 p.m.: Job Fair
Sharonville Convention Center, 11355 Chester Road, Cincinnati
Attendees are asked to bring their resumes.SATURDAY, AUG. 20
10 a.m.: Black Family Reunion Annual Parade
- Begins at the Avondale Town Center
- Grand Marshal: Cincinnati Police Chief Eliot Isaac
- Participants will compete for trophies.
- Parade sponsors: Radio One and Inspiration 1050 WGRI AM
Noon-8 p.m.: Activities on Cincinnati’s riverfront
- Spirituality Pavilion
- Young Adult Stage
- Children’s Pavilion
- Kids’ Fun Zone
- Arts Alive Stage
- Seniors’ Pavilion
- Chess and Whist Tent
- Health Pavilion with free screenings
- Nonprofit organizations
- Jazz Alley
2 p.m.: Family Feud: Fraternities and sororities compete in a local edition of the TV show.
6-8 p.m.: R&B concert featuring Cameo
SUNDAY, AUG. 21
10-11:30 a.m.: Activities on Cincinnati’s Riverfront
- Sunday Morning Outdoor Service hosted by Pastor Donnie McClurkin, Perfecting Faith Ministries, Long Island, N.Y. Includes Baptisms for anyone interested.
10 a.m.- 8 p.m.: Activities include:
- Spirituality Pavilion
- Young Adult Stage
- Children’s Pavilion
- Kids’ Fun Zone
- Arts Alive Stage
- Seniors’ Pavilion
- Chess and Whist Tent
- Health Pavilion with free screenings
- Nonprofit organizations
- Jazz Alley
2 p.m.: Family Feud: Watch fraternities and sororities compete in a local edition of the TV show.
5-8 p.m.: Gospel concert featuring Donnie McClurkin, with special guests Nu Vision, DJ Brandon Smith and other musicians.
