New sculpture to be unveiled at Vicksburg’s Juneteenth celebration, free concert to follow

VICKSBURG, Miss. (VDN) — The Heritage Guild of Vicksburg-Warren will host a ribbon cutting and public unveiling for Vicksburg’s newest public art installation, “In the Key of Freedom,” at 4:30 p.m. on Friday, June 19, at Washington Street Park, 1007 Washington Street in Vicksburg.

Set in downtown Vicksburg, “In the Key of Freedom” pays homage to the city’s critical role in the American Civil War while also celebrating Vicksburg’s deep connection to America’s musical heritage.

President Abraham Lincoln famously recognized Vicksburg’s strategic importance during the Civil War, noting the city as “the Key to the South.” Drawing from that history, “In the Key of Freedom” connects place, memory and music through sculpture. The artwork incorporates a sound element featuring 12 tones, a tribute to the blues’ iconic 12-bar structure and a nod to the musical traditions that helped shape Vicksburg’s cultural identity.

“Unveiling this work on Juneteenth gives the sculpture even greater meaning,” said Shelley Hall Tingle, representing the Heritage Guild of Vicksburg-Warren and the Levitt AMP Vicksburg Music Series Presented by Mutual Credit Union. “Vicksburg holds an important place in the story of freedom, and this piece gives our community a new way to reflect on that history while celebrating the art, music and culture that continue to bring people together.”

“In the Key of Freedom” was made possible through a grant awarded to the Heritage Guild of Vicksburg-Warren, with matching dollars provided by the organization. The Heritage Guild is pleased to be one of only two recipients in the state to receive support through the Mississippi Arts Commission Community Grant.

The project is part of the new Mississippi Public Art in Community Grant, created through a partnership between the Mississippi Arts Commission, the Levitt Foundation, The Maddox Foundation, Visit Mississippi, the Mississippi Main Street Association, the Fred Carl Jr. Small Town Center and the Mississippi Humanities Council. The grant supports community engagement in the design, installation and activation of accessible public art.

“This project is exactly what public art should do — it tells a story, invites conversation and gives people a reason to gather in the heart of the community,” said Chris Rials, co-lead for the Levitt AMP Vicksburg Music Series Presented by Mutual Credit Union. “Washington Street Park is becoming a place where history, music, art and community come together, and ‘In the Key of Freedom’ will be a lasting part of that experience.”

Following the ribbon cutting, the community is invited to remain at Washington Street Park for a free gospel concert as part of the Levitt AMP Vicksburg Music Series Presented by Mutual Credit Union, featuring The Sensational Barnes Brothers.

The Sensational Barnes Brothers are known for a powerful blend of traditional and modern gospel soul. As PopMatters wrote, “The brothers run through a spectrum of moods and modes in their gospel soul, often bridging the gap between, say, the Soul Stirrers and Stax, all the while keeping a local flavor.” The brothers draw deeply from their roots, creating a sound that honors the music of their history while connecting with modern audiences.

The Sensational Barnes Brothers have been featured on vocalist Don Bryant’s Grammy-nominated album Don’t Give Up on Love, collaborated with Dan Auerbach, lead singer of The Black Keys, and are expected to appear on an upcoming album from Latin Grammy-nominated band Making Movies. They recorded their first album under Bible & Tire Recording Co./Fat Possum.

“The Juneteenth concert is a fitting continuation of the unveiling,” Rials said. “This is a day to honor history, celebrate freedom and experience the kind of live music that lifts people up. We hope families will bring their lawn chairs and blankets, enjoy downtown Vicksburg and be part of this special evening.”

The Levitt AMP Vicksburg Music Series Presented by Mutual Credit Union concert will include a kids zone, food trucks and downtown restaurant to-go options. Attendees are encouraged to bring lawn chairs and blankets and enjoy an evening of live music in Washington Street Park.

Powered by a prestigious grant from the Levitt Foundation, the Levitt AMP Vicksburg Music Series Presented by Mutual Credit Union will feature eight concerts each fall in addition to the Juneteenth concert, showcasing an exciting lineup of local, regional and national artists performing original music. The initiative is part of a national effort to activate public spaces and bring communities together through the power of live music.

The Levitt AMP Vicksburg Music Series Presented by Mutual Credit Union is made possible locally through the leadership of community partners. Partnerships include the Levitt Foundation, Mutual Credit Union, Entergy, Courtyard Marriott, Studio 61, Friendly Ice, Maddox Foundation, Micro Printing and Blueprint, Key City Brewery, Merit Health, Lorelei Books, Huntington Bank, Mississippi Arts Commission, River Hills Bank, The Episcopal Diocese of Mississippi, McRaven Tour Home, Oak Hall Bed and Breakfast, the Inn at Cedar Grove, Visit Vicksburg, Vicksburg Main Street and the City of Vicksburg.

Additional sponsors and volunteers are needed to help make the series a success. Community members and organizations interested in getting involved can learn more at https://levittampvicksburg.live/.