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(1) Discuss Recommended Entertainers for the Juneteenth 2026 Celebration from the Juneteenth PR, Marketing and Entertainment Ad Hoc Subcommittee; and (2) If Desired, Approval of Entertainers for the Juneteenth 2026 Celebration.
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Meeting Date: April 15, 2026
Contact Person/Dept: Edgar Varela/Special Events Manager
Phone Number: (310) 253-5752
Fiscal Impact: Yes [X] No [] General Fund: Yes [X] No []
Public Hearing: [] Action Item: [X] Attachments: Yes [X] No []
Public Notification: (E-mail) Meetings and Agendas - MLK Celebration and Juneteenth Advisory Committee (4/9/2026); (E-mail) Parks, Recreation & Community Service Department Updates (4/9/2026)
Department Approval: Adam Ferguson, PRCS Deputy Director (4/9/2026)
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RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends that the Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration and Juneteenth Celebration Advisory Committee (1) discuss recommended entertainers for the Juneteenth 2026 Celebration from the Juneteenth PR, Marketing and Entertainment Ad Hoc Subcommittee; and (2) if desired, approve entertainers for the Juneteenth 2026 Celebration.
BACKGROUND
The Juneteenth PR, Marketing and Entertainment Ad Hoc Subcommittee for Martin Luther King Jr. and Juneteenth Celebrations was established on August 23, 2025. The subcommittee's primary role is to support the special event staff by identifying PR, Marketing and Entertainment opportunities for the Juneteenth Celebration event. This report serves as an update from the subcommittee members on their progress and recommendations for entertainers.
MCJC Advisory Committee Ad Hoc Subcommittees An “ad hoc” subcommittee serves only a limited or single purpose. It is not perpetual, and it is dissolved when its specific task is completed. An Ad Hoc Subcommittee may be formed or dissolved at any Advisory committee meeting, as long as the discussion has been placed on the agenda in advance. Once an Ad Hoc Subcommittee has been created, updates are typically given by Members. By consensus of the Advisory committee, a separate Agenda Item is sometimes prepared and presented on a specific Ad Hoc Subcommittee’s topic or event.
DISCUSSION
The Juneteenth Subcommittee has developed a preliminary list of recommended entertainment elements and program components for the 2026 Juneteenth Celebration. This list reflects a diverse range of talent and experiences intended to honor the cultural significance of Juneteenth while engaging a broad cross-section of the community. The Subcommittee plans to present these recommendations to the full Advisory Committee at the April 15 meeting for discussion, review, and potential approval.
The proposed programming includes a combination of professional emcees, musical performances, dance groups, and interactive experiences. Suggested emcees include local and nationally recognized media professionals with ties to Culver City, which supports both community connection and event credibility. Musical offerings span multiple genres-including R&B, soul, reggae, and contemporary artists-providing options that appeal to varied audiences while maintaining cultural relevance. Dance performances, including groups rooted in Black cultural traditions, further enhance the event’s authenticity and educational value.
The list of proposed performers and elements includes:
In addition to live entertainment, the Subcommittee has identified supplementary elements such as a live muralist, Mike Norice, videos, and interactive features like a 360-degree photo booth. Links to the entertainers, muralist, and photo booth vendor are included in Attachment 1 for reference.
FISCAL IMPACT
The Adopted Budget for Fiscal Year 2025-2026 includes $20,000 in funding for Juneteenth 2026 Celebration in General Fund Account 10116100.517560 (Non-Departmental Special event Grant & Excursions/Departmental Supplies).
ATTACHMENTS
1. 2026-4-15 ATT1 MCJCAC Entertainment Recommendations
MOTIONS
That the Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration and Juneteenth Celebration Advisory Committee:
Approval Entertainers for the Juneteenth 2026 Celebration.