August 27th will mark the 3rd annual RAS DAY celebration. Originally a day dedicated to husband and wife Hip-Hop duo Chaka and Qi Dada by the city of Austin, RAS Day has been dedicated back to the community in appreciation for all their love and support. The all-day family-friendly festival will take place at Kenny Dorham’s Backyard on Austin’s East Side with support from Loudmouth Rentals and KUTX 98.9.

The mission behind RAS Day is to cultivate community, inspire unity, and encourage rejuvenation through music, food, and interactive activities for all to enjoy. Using the platform afforded to them by winning Austin Chronicle’s Band of the Year three years in a row, RAS is looking to influence the Austin community with both music and mission. A portion of the proceeds from RAS Day will benefit Salvage Vanguard Theater.

“Our music is inspired by the way we live our life,” says Chaka, “and at our core we are community advocates. The main component to our inspiration is freedom and unity and I think people feel that when they listen to our music.”

Headlining the festival is intergalactic jazz ensemble Sun Ra Arkestra. Other local talents include familiar names such as:  Riders Against the Storm, SIP SIP, Mobley, Tameca Jones, Kalu James, Zoumountchi, Afrofreque, and Tiarra Girls.

“We find it such an honor to bring people together through our music,” says Qi Dada. “We love seeingpeople empowered, happy, and smiling and we hope that RAS Day does just that, to help alleviate some of the tension and conflict we have endured as tragedy continues to rock our nation’s conscience.”