The Blavity House Party Music Festival kicked off with a bang, celebrating Black Music Month and the Juneteenth weekend in style. The first day was brimmed with exciting performances and unforgettable moments, setting the tone for a cultural experience ahead.

Alongside the performances, attendees savored offerings from various Black-owned vendors across the festival grounds. Tito’s Vodka, the official sponsor, provided refreshments. The festival was not just about music, but also about fun and games. Attractions like the mechanical bull and life-size beer pong added to the lively atmosphere. Festival-goers also enjoyed capturing memories at the Blavity House Party Music Festival wall and walk-in photo booth, ensuring they documented every moment with style.

The Blavity House Party Music Festival featured an unforgettable lineup of performances on its first day. With soulful melodies and high-energy beats, each act brought a unique flavor to the stage, captivating the audience and paving the way for the festival’s most memorable highlights.

Here are a few of the best moments from day 1 of the Blavity House Party Music Festival.

The event was hosted by Zack Fox and Bridget Kelly, the performances were held across two stages, one indoor and one outdoor. Other performances include Big Freedia, Domani and DJs thathad the party going all through day into the evening.

The Sainted Trap Choir from Charlotte, North Carolina, had the crowd praise dancing on a Friday afternoon. They opened with gospel favorites like Byron Cage’s “The Presence of the Lord is Here,” Kirk Franklin’s “Melodies From Heaven” and “Revolution,” among others. Then, they seamlessly transitioned into classic rap hits, such as Waka Flocka Flame’s “No Hands” and the late Pop Smoke’s “Demeanor.”

Dressed in school uniform-inspired attire with a modern twist, the choir blended traditional choir aesthetics with a unique trap vibe. Their outfits nodded to classic school attire while integrating contemporary streetwear elements, reflecting their contemporary music style.

From trap gospel to smooth R&B, Leon Thomas took the stage to reconnect with the Nashville audience. Known for his soulful melodies and charismatic presence, Thomas delivered a performance that continued the festival’s momentum. He performed several songs, including “Breaking Point,” a fan favorite, since his debut album Electric Dusk was released in August 2023.

When asked about the impact of Electric Dusk on his career and connection with fans, Thomas expressed that it held special meaning for him. He emphasized the importance of crafting a project that resonates across different generations.

“Working on Electric Dusk was a cool experience for me because it took a long time for many of those records to see the light of day,” Thomas told Blavity. “This was my first album, which did very well for me. You know, just traveling and seeing how it’s affected people in a real way—songs like ‘Breaking Point’ have helped people through divorces and other special moments.”

Photo by Jason Davis/Getty Images for Blavity Media Group

Thomas also confirmed that he has new music coming out. He plans to release his sophomore album, Mudd, and a new single of the same name.

Celebrating their 25th anniversary in the music industry, R&B legends Dru Hill opened their hour-long set with a nostalgic lineup of classic hits, including “Tell Me,” “In My Bed,” “Never Make a Promise,” and “Beauty.” The event served as a testament to their enduring influence and musical legacy. The highlight of the night came when Sisqo surprised everyone by bringing out the group’s original members, adding an extra layer of excitement and nostalgia to their performance.