2026 MAPSO Juneteenth Celebration

Maplewood and South Orange come together once again for the 2026 MAPSO Juneteenth Celebration, a community gathering that honors freedom, resilience, and the ongoing pursuit of justice. On Friday, June 19, 2026, the Maplewood Memorial Park Amphitheater transforms into a vibrant cultural space filled with music, reflection, and collective joy as neighbors, families, and artists celebrate the spirit of Juneteenth.

This year’s program uplifts the voices and stories that continue to shape our shared journey, blending tradition with contemporary artistry. Among the featured performers is Jeanne Ricks—a guitarist, composer, and creative force whose socially conscious sound has become a powerful presence in Juneteenth programming across the region.

Jeanne brings her signature blend of Blues, Soul, Jazz, and modern groove to the MAPSO stage, offering a musical reflection that honors the past while inspiring forward motion. Her set—rooted in healing, unity, and liberation—creates a soundscape perfectly aligned with the meaning of the day.

Jeanne Ricks – RicksoMusic – Strings of Liberation –  A Socially Conscious Soundscape  

5:00 – 5:45 pm Jeanne Ricks brings a powerful musical journey of reflection, healing, and unity through her soulful guitar work and inspired arrangements. Her Juneteenth set features modern interpretations of “Lift Ev’ry Voice and Sing” and “We Shall Overcome,” along with timeless calls for justice and compassion such as “People Get Ready,” “Someday We’ll All Be Free,” “What’s Going On,” “Blowin’ in the Wind,” and “Love’s in Need of Love Today.” Jeanne weaves these classics together with original compositions that honor resilience and the ongoing pursuit of freedom. Her performance invites the audience into a space of remembrance, hope, and collective uplift. She closes with a message of unity and forward motion, reminding us that love, courage, and community remain our greatest instruments of change.  

Jeanne Ricks, known professionally as Ricksomusic, is a guitarist, composer, and creative producer whose work blends Blues, Funk, Soul, and atmospheric sound design into a signature style that is both groove‑driven and emotionally rich. A New Rochelle native with deep roots in the New York and New Jersey music scene, Jeanne is recognized for her warm tone, fluid phrasing, and the unmistakable sense of storytelling she brings to every performance.

As the creator and artistic director of Sketches of Music, Jeanne has developed a multimedia platform that merges live performance, visual art, and narrative elements to spotlight emerging and established artists. Her work reflects a commitment to cultural preservation, creative innovation, and community‑centered artistry.

Jeanne’s music has been featured in broadcast media, including segments for The Weather Channel, and she continues to expand her catalog of original compositions and collaborative projects. Whether on stage, in the studio, or behind the camera, she approaches every endeavor with intention, authenticity, and a deep respect for the power of music to inspire and connect.

With Ricksomusic, Jeanne stands at the intersection of artistry and vision — a guitarist with a distinct voice and a creator shaping new spaces for musical expression.

To see all all of the 2026 MAPSO Juneteenth Celebration activities – Visit Maplewood Arts and Culture Juneteenth Event