The Fourth Annual Baton Rouge Soul Food Festival has announced the musical lineup for the event that will take place from June 24-26.
On Thursday, June 24 at Henry Turner Jr.s’ Listening Room, a “Greens, Beans and Chicken Wings Pre-Party” will open the festival. The evening’s entertainment includes performances by Henry Turner Jr. & Flavor, and the Listening Room All-Stars, which includes Larry “LZ” Dillon, Kelton “Nspire” Harper, Wynda Paul, Melerbee, Ras Wayne Vicks and comedian Eddie “Cool” Deemer. Special guests are Challa Sabre, Katrina, Doug Brousseau and the River City All Stars and R&B singer Lady Bain from Houston. Teddy “Lloyd” Johnson of Teddy’s Juke Joint will serve as DJ. Tickets are $25.00 and include the buffet and soft drink.
On Saturday, June 26, the festival officially opens at the Riverfront Plaza in downtown Baton Rouge at 11 a.m. The talent lineup features gospel, contemporary Christian, soul, blues, R&B and reggae artists. Performers in order of appearance are blues folk singer Jonathan Foster from California; Wyanda Paul; Pastor Leon Hitchens; Konai Adelphia an R&B/gospel group from Knoxville, Tennessee; Christian singer Belwin; Special Olympian and motivational rapper David “Price$$ Lion” Steffan from Nebraska; gospel singers Anthony J. Veal and the PEW; R&B/Soul singer Lady Bain from Houston; Larry “LZ” Dillon; comedian Eddie ‘Cool’ Deemer; Henry Turner Jr. & Flavor; the Real Southern Grace Band from Memphis and Xavie Shorts. Saturday’s musical lineup ends with a jam session led by Joe Monk of Club Elite. Hosts are Teddy Johnson of Teddy’s Juke Joint and television personality Whitney Vann.
The Sunday lineup opens with blues singer Greg Robinson Jr.; R&B artist Melerbee; reggae percussionist Simon Oguinye; blues rocker Owen Scott; David “Price$$ Lion” Steffan; soul singer James Jr. from Mississippi; House Of God Ministries Gospel Choir; ‘Nspire and the Inspiration Band; comedian Eddie “Cool” Deemer; Henry Turner Jr. & Flavor; blues greats SmokeHouse Porter and Miss Mamie; and the smooth jazz band Infiniti. The festival closes out with the Eric G Soul Spectrum Band. In addition to Teddy Johnson and Whitney Vann, special guest co-host is Christian radio host Kerwin Fealing of WTQT, 106.1.
Special guests will include the kings and queens of Mr. Black Louisiana and Miss Black Empowerment.
The Pioneer Award, for outstanding contributions to the soul food industry, will be will presented on Saturday afternoon at 4 p.m. This year’s recipient is Lizzie’s Restaurant. Accepting the award will be Lizzie Griffin’s son Ricky and daughter Kwanda. Mrs. Griffin was famous in the community for lovingly making hearty soul food dishes for patrons of the former barroom Night Cap.
The Soul Food Cooking Competition winners for entrees and side dishes will be announced at 2:30 p.m. on Saturday and the winners in the appetizers, desserts and drinks will be announced Sunday at 4:30 p.m. The contest is open to entrants until Friday, June 18. First, second and third place prizes will be awarded in each category.
The Soul Food Festival is family friendly, free to the public and also features a vendors village. VIP tickets, available on the website, include food, beverages and photo ops with the talent. For more information please visit www.brsoulfoodfest.com or call 225-802-9681.
