Family Reunion brings thousands downtown to mingle and jam

By Sean Barron

YOUNGSTOWN — Alleah Karon’s music career has seen her being the opening act for several nationally known rap and hip-hop artists, but her most recent performance took place in front of her largest crowd.

“I’m excited that people are coming together with no drama,” Karon said after performing for a few thousand people during Sunday’s second annual Lucky Penny Family Reunion.

Karon started singing around age 2, now specializes in pop and R&B and writes her own songs, she said. Among those she has opened for are Slim Thug, Pleasure P. and Sammie & Huey, all national acts, Karon said.

“It’s nice that a lot of black people can get out at the end of summer, and get out one last time before fall,” said Karon’s sister, Kameela Lateef of Columbus, adding that she also enjoyed seeing youngsters perform at the reunion.

Also at the all-day event was Karon’s 6-year-old son, Gabriel.

Perfect weather greeted attendees of all ages who filled Central Square to hear Karon and others perform onstage during the free gathering.

The reunion, hosted by radio station 101.9 JAMZ, was a way to thank listeners while giving back to the community, explained Lucky Penny, a disc jockey at the station, which plays mostly hip-hop, R&B and gospel music.

The event also showcased local and national talent and featured one stage each for gospel musicians, youth performers and hip-hop and R&B singers, Penny noted.

One of the headliners was Roosevelt “Blaq Rose” Griffin Jr., a singer who auditioned for legendary R&B artist Gerald Levert and is a member of Levert II.

Read the full story Monday in The Vindicator and on Vindy.com.