AGUY: “Come open. Leave changed. ‘Imagination Unchained’ is not just a show, it’s a soul-shift.” PHOTO COURTESY OF NWP

Lauderhill – Here’s the scoop with AGuy Style, the creative director of the Next Weekend Productions, Inc. (NWP) “Imagination Unchained” Juneteenth celebration.

AGuy, what is your vision for the 2025 Juneteenth Concert Experience? What sets this year apart from previous ones?

As AGuy Style, my vision for this year’s “Imagination Unchained” is rooted in storytelling with soul. We’re not just producing a concert, we’re crafting a living, breathing time capsule. (This year) 2025 marks a turning point. This year, we’re elevating the sensory experience, blending cutting-edge visuals with deeply personal narratives to reimagine freedom through the lens of Black joy, resilience, and creativity. What sets this year apart is our intentional focus on legacy-building. Every artist, every set, every detail is designed to echo the power of imagination when it’s unbound and unapologetically Black.

“Imagination Unchained” is a vibrant cultural celebration. What does this event mean to you, and why is it important to honor Juneteenth in such a creative, immersive way?

To me, “Imagination Unchained” is a love letter to our people – our ancestors, our present warriors, and our future visionaries. Honoring Juneteenth in a creative, immersive way allows us to go beyond remembering history, we get to feel it, reframe it, and reclaim it. This experience isn’t confined to a stage, it spills into hearts, minds, and conversations. Creativity is how we’ve always survived and thrived. So, honoring Juneteenth through layered artistic expression is not just important, it’s essential.

Could you guide us through the creative journey behind a production like this, from the spark of inspiration to the final execution?

The spark always starts with why, what are we trying to say, and who are we saying it for? From there, I dive into research, movement, and emotion. I build mood boards, playlists, and even scent palettes to shape the vibe. I collaborate with artists who carry the same soul frequency. My role is to weave these elements into one story, tight, rich, and intentional. By the time we reach execution, every light cue, every note, and every visual is anchored in purpose. I don’t just want people to see the show, I want them to carry it with them.

How do you approach curating such a layered and dynamic experience that reflects and reimagines Black culture’s past, present, and future?

Black culture is not linear, it’s expansive, textured, and rhythmic. I approach curation like composing a symphony, every medium has its own tempo. I start by identifying the emotional beats: pride, pain, healing, joy. From there, I place artists who can speak to each moment with authenticity and flair. I ensure there’s a strong thread of cultural integrity running through every element, but I also leave space for futurism, abstraction, and play. We’re honoring the past, but we’re also planting flags in the future. It’s liberation through layered storytelling.

How do you ensure the experience educates, uplifts, and deeply resonates with the community?

Impact is the blueprint. From the beginning, I work with educators, historians, and community leaders to ground our message. We weave in teachable moments, spoken word that drops knowledge, visuals that spark curiosity, and performances that provoke emotion and thought. We also ensure accessibility, creating space for community dialogue before and after the show. It’s not just about being seen, it’s about being felt and heard. Our goal is to leave folks with full hearts and full minds.

What has “Imagination Unchained” taught you as a creative director and a narrator of shared history?

“Imagination Unchained” has reminded me that creativity is not just art, it’s activism. It has taught me that telling our stories isn’t a luxury, it’s a responsibility. As a creative director, I’ve learned how to listen deeper, not just to the music or the visuals, but to the silences in our history, the whispers from our elders, and the boldness of the next generation. This work has sharpened my storytelling lens and deepened my connection to my purpose.

The event also invests in the future through scholarships such as the Patra Baker Tech Fund. Why is it essential for cultural events like this to serve as spaces of celebration and tangible opportunity?

Because freedom isn’t just about remembering, it’s about redefining. The Patra Baker Tech Fund bridges culture and access, creating pipelines for the next generation of Black technologists and creatives. When our young people see themselves celebrated on stage and then receive tools to create their own legacies, we’re not just entertaining, we’re empowering. That’s where true change lives. We’re celebrating brilliance while planting seeds that grow futures.

What makes this more than just a show, and a must-see event?

I’d say this: Come open. Leave changed. “Imagination Unchained” is not just a show, it’s a soul-shift. It’s where art meets activism, and celebration meets reflection. Whether you’re Black, an ally, a lover of music, or just curious, there’s a space for you here. Expect to dance, to cry, to think, to celebrate, and to feel pride in the fullness of our story. This is freedom in full color. And baby, it’s unforgettable.

“Imagination Unchained,” Next Weekend Productions’ 4th Annual Juneteenth Concert Experience – “a transformative celebration of Black heritage, creativity, and freedom” – is set for Friday, June 20, 7 p.m. at the Lauderhill Performing Arts Center, 3800 NW 11th Pl. Tickets are $30; visit showpass.com/imagination-unchained-2025/. Visit nextweekendproductions.com for additional details.