Billboard Jazz Star Marcus Johnson Brings Soulful Energy to Trenton’s Juneteenth Celebration

On Saturday, June 14th, from 12 PM to 8 PM, the Fifth Annual Juneteenth Festival will be held at the Mercer County Park Festival Grounds. This year’s celebration will feature a full lineup of local performers, vendors, and entertainment, with acclaimed jazz musician Marcus Johnson headlining the event.

A Billboard-charting artist and NAACP Image Award nominee, Johnson is also the founder of FLO Brands and FLO Wine, and holds both a JD and MBA from Georgetown University. He’s known not only for his musical talent but also for his work as a philanthropist, entrepreneur, and educator. Johnson says he’s excited to bring his show to Trenton and promises festivalgoers an energetic and meaningful experience.

“It’s a well-thought-out show. I like to have fun with the audience,” said Johnson, a Columbus, Ohio, native. “The first few songs, we just come out and jam—no talking. Once we get into it, we slow it down a little bit. It’s a journey.”

Johnson’s journey began during his graduate studies, when he independently produced and distributed his debut CD Lessons in Love, which sold over 40,000 units—a remarkable feat for a then-unknown artist. The success of that album launched his music career and was followed by Inter Alia. His unique sound and business acumen drew the attention of BET founder Robert L. Johnson, who partnered with him to create Marimelj Entertainment Group. Together, they established the Three Keys Music label and a full-service recording studio, Studio 8121.

“We chose Marcus Johnson as the headliner for the 5th Annual Juneteenth Celebration because his music embodies the soul, resilience, and cultural richness of the African American experience,” said Ed Gittens, Chief of Staff for Assemblywoman Verlina Reynolds-Jackson, 15th Legislative District, and a Juneteenth event coordinator. “His blend of jazz and inspirational storytelling aligns perfectly with the spirit of Juneteenth—honoring history while celebrating progress.”

To date, Johnson has released more than 15 Billboard-charting albums. His groundbreaking 2008 FLO (For the Love Of) Anthology—featuring FLO Chill, FLO Romance, and FLO Standards—made Billboard history when all three albums charted in the Top 10 Contemporary Jazz category simultaneously. His later works, including Poetically Justified (2009) and This Is How I Rock (2011), solidified his place as a successor to jazz greats like George Duke and Herbie Hancock.

“Juneteenth being in the middle of Black Music Month is just amazing,” said Johnson, who performs across the country between 75 and 100 times a year. “Everywhere I go, I see how music brings people together. And I’ve experienced nothing but love in Trenton.”

Johnson will perform with his five-piece band for an hour-long set. The festival will also feature performances from Central Jersey Performing Arts Academy, The Bishop’s Choir, spoken word artist Ambition “The Poet” Harper, and will be hosted by Trenton native Taylor Pickett-Stokes.

Juneteenth commemorates the emancipation of enslaved people in Texas on June 19, 1865—more than two years after the Emancipation Proclamation. The holiday became nationally recognized in 2021, when President Joe Biden signed the Juneteenth National Independence Day Act into law.

This year’s festival is presented by the African American Cultural Collaborative of Mercer County (AACCofMC), in partnership with New Jersey’s 15th Legislative District (Senator Shirley Turner, Assemblywoman Verlina Reynolds-Jackson, and Assemblyman Anthony Verrelli), and Mercer County Executive Dan Benson.

“As a Collaborative, we strive to be more than just a festival,” said the organizers. “Our mission is to educate, empower, and unite Africans in the diaspora through cultural arts, health, wellness, entertainment, and sports.”