Mayor Catherine Pugh today announced the line-up for AFRAM 2017, the city’s annual African American Festival to be held this year in Druid Hill Park on Saturday, August 12.

In a shift from recent years – when the acts included such well-known performers as Common and Fantasia – this year’s version of the free event will have a small-scale, local focus, Pugh has said.

A press release from the mayor’s office includes this description of the Main Stage performers:

• London Savoy (Sony R&B Recording Artist)
• YBS Skola (Nationally Acclaimed Baltimore Rapper)
• Dancing With Soul (Praise Dancer)
• Phraze the Whisperer (Nationally Acclaimed Praise Rapper)
• Charles Johnson, Jr. (Gospel Saxophone Artist)
• Erica Johnson (Praise Dancer)
• Tate Kobang (Nationally Acclaimed Baltimore Rapper)

The event will be “hosted by Nationally Acclaimed Comedian Big Fred and Popular Radio/Club DJs Jay Claxton and DJ Flow,” the news release said.

The downsizing of this year’s AFRAM from two days at Camden Yards downtown to one day at Druid Hill Park uptown – has drawn intense criticism from some. Pugh has said she thinks the cost of the annual event, which celebrated its 40th anniversary last year, should come down.

Her office said other attractions on Saturday will include:

Health Pavilion – Free health screenings for hepatitis C, HIV, diabetes, oral health and gum disease, high blood pressure, and other health issues.
Innovation Village – Interactive activities powered by Comcast.
Kid’s Village – Free Games, face painting, and two large Balloon Bounce locations.

DETAILS

Location
The Bowl at Druid Hill Park
3001 East Drive
(Between Safety City and the basketball courts, behind the Department of Recreation and Parks headquarters)

Time
10 a.m. – 8 p.m.

More information
http://afram.baltimorecity.gov/