Juneteenth - A Celebration of Freedom Comes to Melbourne!

A Family Gathering of Culinary Decadence, Culture, Music, and Art!

Date: Saturday, 22nd of June, 2024

Time: 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM

(strict start time, limited to 50 guests)

Location: Edward.S Warehouse @ 116 Commercial Road, Prahran, VIC 3181

Embark on a Cultural, Music, Art, and Culinary Journey from the 18th century to the modern day and join us for an extraordinary family-style dinner at the LuluBell Juneteenth Celebration!

Having worked over the years at San Francisco Chronicle's Top 100 restaurants such as The Slanted Door, Fonda, and Thomas Keller's Bouchon in Beverly Hills, Founder, and Chef of LuluBell, Keenzia Budd, pays homage to her great-grandmother, LuluBell. Born in the great state of Texas where Juneteenth was created, this event commemorates a pivotal moment in American history!

Edward.S, in collaboration with the new LuluBell and Co., Botanics Melbourne and Be.Soh, invite you to experience the flavours, sounds, stories, and art of the African diaspora.

What to Expect:

Savour the Flavours: There's a reason they call it 'soul food'! Keenzia will be whipping up (with ancestral love) her family recipes from her San Francisco Bar Area roots. Guests will be treated to a delicious seven-course meal that mixes traditional and what she describes as "new world soul food," including buttermilk fried chicken and waffles, southern oxtails, truffle mac n' cheese, and more.

Sip On and Enjoy: Guests will enjoy Southern Peach Iced Tea, hors d'oeuvres, and bubbles on arrival, and (if you dare) we'll be selling 'Moonshine' watermelon cocktail, inspired by Keenzia's late Uncle Alonzo aka 'Zo' Budd - as Keenzia teases, "the mastermind of all things counterfeit".

Live Music: Open your soul to an intimate gospel performance by London-born, singer, Sydney Symphony conductor, and background vocalist for Usher and George Benson, Andrew Bukenya. Enjoy the soulful melodies of R&B and soul by producer, singer, and songwriter, Francisco Tavares.

Storytelling: Listen to the stories of our special guest, Francesca Emerson, the first African-American Playboy Bunny, and renowned historian and author of The Chocolate Bunny.

Art Exhibition Preview: Get an exclusive sneak peek of "The Souls of Black Folks" exhibition featuring artworks (flown in from the beautiful West African country of Ghana) by the incredible Richard Mantey and the multitalented photographer, entertainer, and filmmaker, Simeon John.

Inspiration and Education: Be taken on a journey and moved by the narratives and insights shared by, Be.Soh, our event curator and MC. Oh, how we love this woman!

Why Attend?

Juneteenth, also known as Freedom Day, marks a significant chapter in African American history—the emancipation of enslaved African Americans. This celebration is about looking back, embracing the present, and inspiring a future of unity and equality.

So come on down to enjoy an evening of joy, reflection, empowerment, and connection to the spirit of people from the African diaspora.

Let’s honour the past, celebrate the present, and inspire the future together. We can't wait to see you on the night! Your presence will make the experience amazing and the night one to remember!

*Unfortunately we cannot accommodate any dietary restrictions for this event.

*Over 21 years of age only.

*No BYO, additional drinks available on consumption or via the drinks package option.