African Diaspora Arts Festival: A Freehold Cultural Celebration

FREEHOLD, NJ — "Celebrating African American Musical Culture" is the theme of the fifth annual African Diaspora Arts Festival on Saturday.

The festival takes place from noon to 7 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 19, in the side and back parking lots next to the Hall of Records on Main Street, organizers say.

Visitors can expect music provided by Gathering of Tribes and musical artist Aly-us, singing his classic, "Follow Me."

The song begins with the words: "I'm hoping to see the day/When my people/Can all relate. . . " said festival founder Adrianne Nesby of Freehold.

She likens the festival to a "cultural umbrella," bringing many cultures together.

The festival will focus on the arts, culture, entrepreneurship and unity for the whole family. In addition to music, there will be food, fashions and fun, Nesby said.

Nesby said she was inspired to found the festival by a dream she had of a musical festival that had "all people coming together."

And she says that is just what happens at the festival:

"I'm so thankful how everyone stops by and supports us. It's a big celebration," she said.