By Erin Bell
If you are looking for a fun way to kick off your summer vacation you should consider attending The Promise Land’s 23rd Annual Music and Arts Festival on Saturday, June 1, 2024, from 10 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. at 707 Promise Land Road in Charlotte, Tennessee.
The Promise Land community was established during the Reconstruction Period in Charlotte, Tennessee by former members of the United States Colored Troop of the Union Army and other formerly enslaved people from nearby farms.
The Northern Migration after World War I and 2 caused the community to diminish over the years and in the 1980’s, only four widowed females remained. These four women wanted to preserve the history of the community and its legacy.
In 1988, The Promise Land Heritage Association was formed to do just that, and in 2000 The Promise Land Heritage Association started the festival to spread awareness and celebrate its rich history.
The festival is free and presented by the Promise Land Heritage Association, the Tennessee Art Commission Rural Arts Program, and Zochem Industries of Dickson. There will be various family-oriented music and dance performances.
Performances include Miss Amy’s Dance Studio, Sankofa African Drum and Dance Company, The Highland Jazz Machine, Tally Entertainment Showcase, Cassandra Osborne, and The WWB Singers.
Along with the performances, there will also be non-traditional artists and crafters set up. These vendors include Ludie Amos, Carol Batey Punty, and a variety of Art Exhibitions.
While you are at the festival, you can stop by one of the food vendors to enjoy Big Boy BBQ, Jac’s Southern Grub, and many others that are offering fish, ice cream, and beverages.
The schedule of the festival is down below:
- 10 a.m – Tennessee Historical Marker Dedication to Theo Edmondson and the Promise Land Singers
- Noon – Parade of Hats for Healthy Hearts
- 1 p.m. – Culinary Botanist Presentation
- 2 p.m – Sankofa Drummers and Dancers performance
- 3 p.m. – Highland Jazz Machine performance
- 4:30 p.m. – Talley Entertainment performance
- 5:30 p.m – WWB Singers’ performance
During the festival, you can explore the property and even enter the St. John Methodist Church, now known as the St. John Cultural Arts Center, which was restored in 2023. However, the museum will be closed due to construction.
If you are interested in attending this festival and can offer volunteer services during or before the event, please contact them via email at promise707land@gmail.com or by phone at 615-707-2130.
Erin Bell is originally from Chattanooga, Tennessee, but she currently attends Austin Peay State University. There she studies Professional Communications and is involved in multiple student organizations. She is also a member of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated.