NextThreeDays: Event Display

Inaugural Downtown After 5 with The Ambassador and Father Sun
Venue: Downtown Blacksburg, Blacksburg
Directions: Google Map Link
Organizations: Downtown Blacksburg Inc., Father Sun, The Ambassador
Date: Friday, May 22, 2026
Time: 5:00 - 8:00 PM
Event Types: Music, Food, Miscellaneous
Cost: Free

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Description:
Downtown Blacksburg, Inc. presents the Inaugural Downtown After 5 on Friday, May 22, 2026 centered on Draper Road in downtown Blacksburg, VA.

Join us Downtown After 5 for merchant and restaurant specials, stop by Draper Road for your "I Love Blacksburg" button, downtown giveaways, and live music now inside Rivermill featuring The Ambassador and Father Sun.

Father Sun embodies the true spirit of reggae with a blend of experienced artistry and youthful energy. Father Sun’s repertoire encompasses reggae covers and original compositions, each note carrying the authentic vibe of the genre. Their performances are not mere musical exhibitions; they are heartfelt celebrations of life and the universal language of music. Join Father Sun on their musical odyssey, where the essence of reggae is embraced and shared, connecting soul and spreading positivity wherever their music is heard.

Laying the bassline of this musical journey is Janiah Allen, a seasoned musician known for his collaborations with Alliens, Music Road Co, Solazo, Jordan Harman & the Humble Brags, Sol Roots and The Ambassador. Alongside Janiah is his son, Nyo Allen, whose exceptional drumming skills bring life to Father Sun’s beats. From an early age, Nyo developed a love for rhythm, and he lays down a solid foundation for the band.

Janiah & Nyo’s original compositions are rooted in reggae traditions and infused with modern creativity. They are joined by guitarist Aram Skenderian, whose melodic prowess adds depth and dimension to their music.

Link: https://www.facebook.com/fathersunband

Soul, rock and reggae artist The Ambassador stands out among others by displaying a strong, soulful vocal presence combined with addictive, upbeat rhythms. His music flows seamlessly from stock reggae beats to bluesy grooves infused with rock and hip-hop. The Ambassador couples catchy hooks and danceable music with intelligent lyrics and a positive message bringing fans of all ages and walks of life. The high-energy performances will keep you bouncing hours after the show’s end.

The Ambassador is Stephen Gabriel Lewis, an artist, producer and songwriter based in both San Diego, California and Roanoke, Virginia who performs reggae, soul and rock music.

With his full-length release “New Roots” nominated for “World Music Album of the Year” at the San Diego Music Awards and growing radio play from Oakland’s BigUp Radio, UC-Berkley Radio, San Diego’s 94.9fm and 91Xfm and L.A.’s own Reggae Connection with Chuck Foster to name a few, The Ambassador’s sound is on the rise.

Much of his decision in choosing the performer title “The Ambassador” was based on his mother’s words to him throughout childhood encouraging him to be a leader rather than a follower and to be a peacemaker. As Webster defines it, “a diplomat…accredited as representative from one country to another; an ambassador of good will.” The moniker went hand in hand with his passion for traveling and learning from other cultures while sharing and shaping his own.

Throughout his songwriting, Lewis has made it a point to couple thought provoking lyrics with a positive message written with today’s youth in mind, to encourage, exhort and capitalize on the importance of family, community and relationships.

Gabe, as his friends know him, has been playing guitar and composing music and lyrics since age 14. Finding a love for reggae, hip hop and R&B early in high school, The Ambassador would never again be interested in limiting himself to any particular musical genre.

Links:

• http://theambassadormusic.com/
• https://www.facebook.com/TheAmbassadorMusic
• https://www.twitter.com/The__Ambassador
• https://www.youtube.com/user/TheAmbassadorMusic/videos
• https://www.instagram.com/theambassadormusic/
• https://soundcloud.com/theambassadormusic

Shop and eat and get 10% off your purchase while wearing the "I Love Blacksburg" button at participating downtown merchants.

Admission is free and all are welcome.

To view the event flyer, visit: https://www.downtownblacksburg.com/images/Downtown_After_5_poster_final_1.png.

For more information, visit https://www.downtownblacksburg.com/ or https://www.facebook.com/DowntownBlacksburg or https://www.instagram.com/downtownblacksburgva/ on social or for questions, contact DBI@downtownblacksburg.com or 540-951-0454.