Artist, rapper, and Harlem native Ferg — part of hip-hop collective A$AP Mob that features members A$AP Rocky and Playboi Carti — brought art and wellness services back to the community on August 14 at Flo Fair, a free all-day event featuring fitness classes, a sound bath, and performances by the rapper who has achieved success with chart topping hits that include “Work,” and “Shabba Ranks.” The fair was inspired by smaller-scale health fairs Ferg’s family would throw in honor of his late father, Darold Ferguson, a fixture of the Harlem community who passed away just before the rapper’s 17th birthday. It was hosted by the Capital One City Parks Foundation SummerStage, which boasts a slew of varied, and often free programming. “I’m glad we’re out here in Harlem, it’s a beautiful day,” Ferg told an intimate group of participants on the lawn at Marcus Garvey Park. “It’s all family vibes out here, let’s enjoy the rest of the time.”
The festivities kicked off around 11 a.m. with yoga and sound bath sessions held by Julia Jovone, who promoted a sense of calm and serenity to the attendees who reserved spots online ahead of the event. Ferg was spotted in the front row, participating in the sessions alongside the other attendees. Food trucks and vendors were present early, with energy drink brand Lucky onsite passing out free cans and promotional material.
In the afternoon, the energy shifted as James and Jaws hosted fast-paced workout sessions. It was all smiles as attendees broke a sweat to songs like Ferg’s “New Level,” which played over the loudspeakers. At around 3 p.m., Ferg addressed the crowd and took photos with the team, instilling a sense of unity and positivity before a dance party broke out on the lawn. The tone was set as the gates to the amphitheater began to open to the public.
Johnny Knollwood photos
The audience at Flo Fair on August 14 at Marcus Garvey Park. 
Violinist Nina Woods performing at Flo Fair on August 14 at Marcus Garvey Park. 
Universal Space Jam performing at Flo Fair on August 14 at Marcus Garvey Park. 
Harlem rapper Ferg participating in wellness classes alongside attendees at Flo Fair on August 14 at Marcus Garvey Park. 
Harlem rapper Ferg posing with participants at Flo Fair on August 14 at Marcus Garvey Park.
Many stars would be lounging backstage ahead of a performance like this, but Ferg was at home in his community, sitting on a lawn chair outside the venue and catching up with friends and family as fans rolled into the venue. Music kicked off inside the theater at 5 p.m. with Universal Space Jam, an experimental hip-hop duo that saw the pair onstage utilizing rapping, live sampling, and improvisational saxophone to deliver an in-your-face, atmospheric performance. The duo was followed by Hunter BDM, a Harlem native who brought out special guests that included rapper Iceman, and a dancer named Nova. She busted out some moves for the rapper’s song, “Girlfriend at the Party.”
Special guests were in abundance at Marcus Garvey Park as TGUT took to the stage, bringing out up and coming NYC rappers Baby Osama, Scarlip, and Fergie Baby, who each brought their unique voices to the performance, and took time to show love to the community. “We in Harlem!” Fergie Baby proclaimed to the crowd, “we home!” Anticipation built as TGUT brought out his final guest, violinist Nina Woods, who warmed the crowd up for Ferg’s headlining set, jamming to classics like “Return of the Mack,” on the fly. “I didn’t tell her about this,” TGUT professed to the audience, but Woods did not skip a beat.
Musicians began to take their positions on the stage as Ferg entered to roaring applause, opening the performance with “New Level,” that was heard earlier during the fitness sessions. Ferg was also joined by special guests including Okinawan rapper Awich, and singer Renee Neufville of 90’s R&B duo Zhane, the latter of whom performed “Sending My Love,” a hit for the group in 1994. “So, this is what it feels like to have your city behind you,” Ferg told the crowd of fans, friends and family. “All of our voices are power.”
Despite the positive energy and family-friendly environment, the reality of being Black in America amidst today’s heated political climate could not be ignored, as Ferg addressed the presence of police onsite. “There’s like five million cops outside — hip-hop police.” Ferg told the crowd. “We not pushing nothing but peace.” The set seemed to fly by, as audience members danced and took videos. Near the set’s end, Ferg pulled out his biggest hits and fan favorites, “Shabba” and “Work,” even leaving the stage to perform in the crowd.
As Ferg disappeared and attendees dispersed, a sense of togetherness and good vibrations could be felt throughout the Harlem Park that one hopes will return next year. For more info on SummerStage programs, visit cityparksfoundation.org.