GRAMMY-Award Nominated Artists Eric Roberson, Bilal and Syleena Johnson among featured performers at The 3rd Annual EO MACFest on Sat, June 17th
EXTRA’s A.J. Calloway Will Serve as Special Guest Host
East Orange, NJ, June 13, 2017 — The City of East Orange and the Arts Council of East Orange presents GRAMMY-Nominated performers Eric Roberson, Bilal and Syleena Johnson, who are headlining the 3rd Annual Mac Festival on Saturday, June 17, 2017, from 12pm-9pm at 44 City Hall Plaza, East Orange, NJ. The event, hosted by special guest and South Orange, NJ native A.J. Calloway, will feature DJ’s and live music, over 100 vendors from the Tri-State and D.C. areas, specialty food trucks, a Kids Corner featuring the Montclair Art Museum Art Truck and Juneteenth-inspired activities, Pink Dragon Pop-Up Art Demonstration, a Mini Car Show and more! Admission is free and open to the public. (See below for complete list of vendors
Other acts include: Brown Rice Family, Marel Hidalgo, Jaye Jerz, DJ Boom, DJ Nugget, DJ Sienna Chanel, Victoria Skie, D’Yon Musiq, Tenn Stacks, Stiff Lauren, DJ Smoove, DJ Steve Lucky Bensen and Young Picassos.
“Our city is successfully undergoing an urban renewal fueled by a growing arts and culture scene right in the heart of our Transit Village and our arts and cultural district at Lower Main Street. This festival is a wonderful combination of what East Orange is and what it has the potential to be,” said Mayor Lester E. Taylor III. “We are hoping to attract festival lovers from across the region to experience East Orange!”
Eric Roberson
Rahway, NJ native and singer, songwriter, and producer Eric Roberson (affectionately known as “Erro” by friends and fans) continues to break boundaries in an industry predominantly influenced by major record labels, manufactured sounds, and mainstream radio. His countless achievements as an independent artist has established him as a leader in which he has been able to reach levels of great success once never imaginable by an unsigned artist. Eric has achieved major milestones in his career, from being a successful songwriter and producer for notable artists such as Jill Scott, Musiq Soulchild, Dwele, Vivian Green and countless others, as well as headlining sold-out tours across the country.An outstanding storyteller, Eric’s music is relatable, allowing him to form personal connections with each of his listeners. His music is influenced by elements of music styles varying from Soul, Rhythm & Blues, House, Hip-Hop, Jazz, Rock and more, inhibiting him from being confined or limited to any one genre of music. His music is personal, poetic, positive and progressive. It is classic music presented in an untraditional fashion. All of these factors, paired with a humble, inspiring, and inviting spirit, has earned Eric the love and respect of each of his fans one by one, cultivating a fan base that has shown an unbelievable level of support throughout the years.
Bilal
If there was one R&B artist for whom the neo-soul categorization seemed limiting, it was Philadelphia native Bilal. None of his recordings resembled the sycophantic worship of soul artists who thrived in the ’60 and ’70s, and it wasn’t just because his voice -- classically trained, capable of singing opera in seven languages -- was so unique. While some inspirations were detectable, his recordings were wholly modern and became increasingly creative. His individuality led to being dropped from a major label, and he went several years without releasing any solo material. Through evangelism from his peers and word of mouth from his early fans, Bilal gained an insatiable following and was supported by sympathetic independent labels, where he was finally able to thrive creatively.
Grenique’s Black Butterfly, a 1999 release on Motown, was the first major album to feature Bilal’s vocals; he contributed to three songs. The following year, he established a deep connection to hip-hop by appearing on Common’s Like Water for Chocolate and Guru’s third Jazzmatazz album. These recordings led him into the Soulquarians, a rotating collective of collaborators who included Common, Jay Dee (aka J Dilla), the Roots’ Ahmir Thompson, D’Angelo, Erykah Badu, Mos Def, Q-Tip, and Raphael Saadiq within its ranks.
Syleena Johnson
GRAMMY nominated vocalist and writer Syleena Johnson is one of the greatest singers and performers of her generation. She has scored major R&B hits and been invited to collaborate with the likes of Kanye West, R. Kelly and Musiq Soulchild. Syleena’s last album Couples Therapy dealt with love and relationships. As with all of her projects, Syleena gave us a heartfelt glimpse into where she is within her own journey and her private life. The project embodied Syleena’s relentless passion for songwriting. Johnson, wrote/ co-wrote all of the tracks. The album opened with the upbeat and lyrically honest song “All This Way For Love.”Leela James accompanies Syleena on the soulful 60’s throwback “Fool’s Gold”; and the incomparable Dave Hollister joins her on the moving and triumphant “Harmony.” The album production remains diverse and yet doesn’t venture too far off track. Vocally critics agree that this is one of Syleena’s strongest overall projects in years. Chapter 6: Couples Therapy has been made into a film that stars Johnson and the other collaborators from the album.
AJ Calloway
A South Orange, NJ native and Emmy-award winning journalist, AJ Calloway is the New York City correspondent for "Extra." AJ is at the center of all things entertainment in the Big Apple, interviewing the most talked about celebrities, athletes and notables in the world. AJ began his television career in August 2000 when he secured a co-host position on B.E.T, and in September 2000 on "106 & Park, B.E.T’s Top Ten Live," which remains B.E.T’s most popular show to date, earning the network record-breaking ratings.
A proud and active member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc., AJ believes in giving back to the community. He serves on the Dean’s Advisory Board for the Rutgers New Jersey Medical School and he also speaks to youth around the country about the negative effects of drugs, alcohol, unprotected sex and the importance of entrepreneurship and leadership. He has been a guest lecturer at University of Missouri, West Virginia State, University of Florida, University of Delaware, University of Missouri, Nassau Community College, and Smith College, among others.
2017 East Orange MACFest Sponsors include Briclyn Entertainment, Discover Jersey Arts, J.G. Petrucci, Fantin Supply, Robert Taylor, Esq., KNTM Architects, Novus Equities, Springdale Industrial Park, ABGS, Burger King – QQR, LLC, and American Wear.
Food/Beverages
Auntie Shay’s
AHA Gourmet
Annie Mae’s Bakery & Bites
Candy Clouded
Chef Shafiqah Sharif
Eat My Balls NJ
EterniTea
Hanna’s Meatballs
Jerkin Chicken
Jersey Jones Maagma
Kamau’s Casual Catering
Khemetstry Works
Lick Your Lips Cakes
Natasha Sweet Treats Catering
Never Ending Summer
Raw Thoughtz
RB Sweet Treats Boutique
Rita’s Water Ice
ShaRee Amour Catering
Soul Food Factory
Aquil’s Fish and Wings
Bean Pie Café
Big Willie’s BBQ
Blueberry Café Juice Bar
Juice For Us
L-N-D Vending
Nellz Sweet Retreat
Private Chef Nikko
Specialty/Community Resources
Acura Crew Nation
All in Her Designs
Amaza Africa
Asili
Auset Collection
Banafrit
Beautiful by Nature
Bey Arts
Blak Jewel by Jamese Keyon
Brownstone Closets
By Purple
Caheez
Carry Me Cute
Cdiamonds Cosmetics
Chablis Designs
Chic Trends Fashion & Accessories
Creative Brothers
Customine
Desirer Style Boutique
Diaspora Africa
Distinctive Endeavors
East Orange Conservatory Charter School
Ezi Enyi
FabYouLife
Fast Track Fashions
Forever Audacious
Glorious Transformations
Grace’s Goodie Bar
Hair Diva Fashions
Hand and Heart Skincare
I AM C.U.L.T.U.R.E.D.
Inmybagggggg
Jessie Tyre Gifts
Juskel Clothing
Kay’s Bootek
Keep Yourself Smellin’ Sweet
Lester James Art
Let’s Face It!
Let Go and Let God International Outreach Ministry
Look the Part
Mary Kay
Miracles Hair Gallery
Natural Hats
Nature’s Pout
Nefertiti Productions
New Life Counseling and Mental Health Services
No. 1 Draft Pick Sportswear
O’Envy Lash Bar
OnQ Comics
The Painter’s Palette NJ
PasFASH
Phillip’s Creations
Pink Dragon Artist Syndicate
Pooka Pure and Simple
Project Hygiene
The Pour Artist NJ
Real Bodies
Rhymageddon
Saints Can Laugh Too
Salome’s Art Creation
SHADE Official Eyewear
Shop DLynn
Sizzyart
Stikz Cigars
Stilettos & Screwdrivers
Style is Your Option
T’ingz Nice
Ta-Shonna’s Boutique
TBL Jewelry
The House of Kaluaah
Traci Lynn Fashion Jewelry
Urban Kween Brand
Your Ultimate Princess Party
