Plant Riverside District – which is widely known as Savannah’s Entertainment District – is pleased to host a special Father’s Day Gospel Celebration on Sunday, June 18 at District Live, a state-of-the-art live music venue located at 400 W. River St. in Savannah, Ga.

This high-energy event, which celebrates the upcoming Juneteenth holiday, will feature inspiring live gospel music by top regional artists as well as a lavish Southern-style buffet prepared by the exceptional culinary team at Plant Riverside District. Doors will open at 12:30 p.m., with the Father’s Day Gospel Celebration show beginning at 1:30 p.m.

“Juneteenth is a day of celebration and an important moment in our country’s history that continues to impact us to this day,” said Scotty Henley, Director of Entertainment at JW Marriott Savannah Plant Riverside District. “We invite everyone to join us for this special Father’s Day Gospel Celebration at District Live and to enjoy an uplifting afternoon featuring amazing live gospel music and incredible food.”

Featured gospel artists will include:
Gary Swindell, Jr.  – A passionate gospel performer who began his career as a child traveling with his parents throughout the South, performing in stage shows and musicals. He started performing in church in Savannah, Ga. as a child and has recorded and trained with a number of notable musicians. As a worship pastor and youth pastor, Gary recently published his first book, The Language of Praise, and enjoys inspiring and uplifting audiences.

Calvin J – Born and raised in Savannah, Ga., Calvin J has been writing music since the age of 14 and playing instruments since the age of 5. A self-taught pianist and drummer who also plays the alto saxophone, Calvin J brings a sound that is soulful, powerful and straight from the heart. His music is inspired by God and his family. His True Gospel “Life Music” embodies real-life scenarios that are based around God’s love and is featured on his newest recording “Road 2 Recovery.”

Antwan Smalls – Antwan Smalls is an eclectic singer, worship leader and musician with a deep passion for music and ministry. He has dedicated his life to praising and worshiping through his music and has served as the worship leader at Kingdom Life Christian Fellowship in Savannah, Ga. since the age of 15, Smalls has shared the stage with renowned artists such as Jonathan McReynolds, Tasha Cobbs, Erica Campbell, Jessica Reedy, Mali Music, Le’Andria Johnson and Joshua Rogers and offers an energetic worship vibe that effortlessly connects different cultures and generations.

The Father’s Day Gospel Celebration at District Live will feature a Southern-inspired buffet that has been thoughtfully prepared by The Kessler Collection’s Corporate Director of Culinary Kyle Lipetzky and his culinary team. Menu highlights include Carved Slow-Smoked BBQ Pork Ribs, Crispy Buttermilk Chicken and Waffles, Lowcountry Shrimp and Grits, Chicken Fried Pork Chops with Sawmill Gravy, baked mac ‘n’ cheese, collard greens, fresh berry cobbler, sweet potato pecan tarts, banana pudding and more. A full bar – including cocktails, beer and wine – will also be available.

Recognized as a federal holiday since 2021, Juneteenth is short for “June Nineteenth,” marking the date in 1865 when slaves in Galveston, Texas were first informed by U.S. General Gordon Granger they were free, in accordance with President Abraham Lincoln’s signing of the Emancipation Proclamation. Celebrated for more than 150 years, Juneteenth is widely considered the longest running African-American holiday.

Reservations are required for the Father’s Day Gospel Celebration. Pricing is $50++ for adults and $25++ for children ages 5 to 12.

Reservations are available at plantriverside.com, on OpenTable.com or by clicking HERE.