Not even a little rain could stop the magic at Rooted In Rhythm, a soulful celebration that took over District 121 in McKinney, Texas.
“Despite the weather, the energy and enthusiasm from the crowd were incredible,” said Valese Jones, co-founder of the Millennial Maven Creative Foundation, which produced the event. “We hope to continue to grow this event in McKinney, showcasing all the different cultures that make the DFW area what it is.”
The day kicked off in true Texas fashion with the Rodeo Party Bus, hosted by the dynamic duo Saddle Up Sundaze. Guests made stylish pit stops at Rancher Hat Bar and Lane Boots, where they got to create custom hats, snag new boots, and sip on good vibes before heading to the main event.
By the time the crowd gathered, the energy was on 10!
BrownStyle Magazine was proud to be one of the media sponsors for the festival that invited people of all ages and different walks of life to come together and have a good time. Ahead, learn about some of the highlights of the event!
The Vibe
DJ J Lex got the party started, followed by a powerful opening performance from ShySpeaks, whose spoken word piece, “Rooted In Rhythm,” captured the heart of the event.
The music lineup was fiyah! Kayenne The Cowboy brought Louisiana heat, the Squeezebox Bandits had the crowd dancing in the rain (literally), and Adrian Garza charmed everyone with his acoustic sound.
Valerie Ponzio, The Kentucky Gentlemen, and Elsie each brought their own flavor to the stage, showing just how beautifully diverse country music can be. Maurice The Music wowed the audience by playing both guitar and trumpet. And Amira Unplugged followed with a powerhouse performance.
Of course, a BrownStyle-approved event wouldn’t be complete without a little dancing! Tighten Up With Tiff led an energetic line dancing session that wrapped up the dance series held all season at District 121.
Throughout the experience, hosts Nina The Emcee and Devin Wilmott-Johnson kept the vibes high and the laughs rolling. And when headliner Pynk Beard closed the show, the crowd was on its feet!
The VIP Experience
VIP guests were treated to signature drinks (including mocktails) curated by Moore Libations, each inspired by the singles of the four headliners. A special shout-out to The Common Table for keeping everyone well-fed throughout the day.
Good food and great company were the perfect way to end a day dedicated to the culture and community.
The Impact
Beyond the fun, Rooted In Rhythm carried a meaningful mission.
“We are beyond grateful for the support from everyone involved—the artists, attendees, and sponsors,” says Bridgette Jones, Executive Director and co-founder of the event. “Together, we are not just celebrating music, we are also making a meaningful impact in the lives of creatives.”
A portion of the event proceeds will go toward replacing instruments lost by women and youth during natural disasters — a cause close to the heart of the Millennial Maven Creative Foundation and one that perfectly aligns with BrownStyle’s values of community and giving back.
At the end of it all, Rooted In Rhythm was an event that celebrated creativity and the beauty of coming together, rain or shine. And we are already counting down to next year!
For more highlights and future events, visit millennialmavencf.com
Editor’s Note: This story has been edited and condensed for clarity.
By BrownStyle Magazine in Special Editions
72 pages, published 1/17/2025
