19th Annual Taste of Soul Family Festival – Smorgasbord of Food, Fun and Music
This past weekend, Crenshaw Boulevard, affectionately known as “The Shaw,” drew several hundred thousand people to celebrate the Taste of Soul Family Festival on Saturday, October 19, 2024. There was a buzz of excitement as the most anticipated event of Fall finally arrived.
Ricky Richardson | Contributing Writer
This past weekend, Crenshaw Boulevard, affectionately known as “The Shaw,” drew several hundred thousand people to celebrate the Taste of Soul Family Festival on Saturday, October 19, 2024. There was a buzz of excitement as the most anticipated event of Fall finally arrived.
The days may be shorter, and the weather a bit cooler. This doesn’t mean it’s time to put away your dancing shoes, YET! The weather forecast is lots of sun, warm weather, blue skies, and a 100% chance of precipitation of sweat as a result of people dancing in the streets.
Marketing and promotions got it right in getting the word out through social media platforms, mobile and stationary billboards, newspaper write-ups, and radio and television PSAs. The busy streets of Crenshaw Boulevard were the place to be for the 19th Annual Taste of Soul Family Festival presented by Bakewell Media.
The Taste of Soul Family Festival was nothing short of amazing and vibrant. The incredible, stellar lineup of entertainment produced some energetic, positive vibes all day long.
The diverse crowd of people strolled, strutted, and sashayed up and down “The Shaw.” People were able to get their grub on (food), groove on (dancing), and were able to partake in some retail therapy (supporting local businesses and entrepreneurs).
The Radio Free 102.3FM KJLH Music Stage presented by Amazon Access presented another year of sensational soul at this year’s Taste of Soul! The stage showcased the best of local performers and nationally recording acts along with their radio personalities, who are certified cultural ambassadors in the City of Los Angeles.
Praise Fest
It appeared like an old-fashioned tent revival, as the church was held on “The Shaw.” You know that any time is always the best time to give God the Glory. KJLH Gospel Choir Radio Free Voices ignited the festivities with a great set of old-school Southern gospel selections. They performed “Jesus is the Light,” “God’s Been So Good,” “Keep on Making a Way,” and “Go Vote,” with Praise dances by ODC, Outspoken Dance Company, led by Jasmine Fennell.
Lena Byrd-Miles
Lena Byrd-Miles took it up a notch during her uplifting, crowd-pleasing set of original tracks “This is the Day,” “Yessir” (to God), and “WOW, Walk on Water.”
Brent Jones and The Best Life Choir’s performance was electrifying. The popular choir rocked the stage with “Nothing Else Matters,” “Open Your Mouth, Say Something and “Live Your Best Life.” KJLH presented Brent Jones with a Billboard #1 Gospel Airplay plaque for the track “Live Your Best Life” which is on rotation on gospel radio programs across the nation.
102.3FM Radio Free KJLH Radio On Air Personalities
Many of the On Air personalities were on site and onstage throughout the day. The staff was joined by several On-Air guests on stage. DJ Ray and DJ Mark were on deck, manning the ones and twos. Bobo and Aundrae Russell, Lon McQ, Adai Lamar, Tammie Mac, Guy Black, and Ricky Ruckus. On-air guests were Joe Torry, J-Red, and Rev. Dr. John Paul C. Foster, Pastor, Faithful Central Bible Church. Tammie Mac and Eric Benét presented the KJLH Cultural Icon Award to Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass. Ms. Black USA, Dedra Tufon led the crowd in the National Anthem.
Danny Bakewell and Elected Officials
Tiffany Haddish
Danny Bakewell, Founder of Taste of Soul Family Festival was joined on stage by elected officials from the Federal, State, County, and City, and many officials from surrounding cities. Tiffany Haddish returned as Celebrity Chair of the 19th Annual Taste of Soul Family Festival.
Soulful Sounds on The Shaw
Radio Free 102.3 FM Music Stage presented by Amazon Access loaded the bases with a stellar lineup of musicians. Andra Day is a singer, songwriter, and actress. You remember her for her breakout performance as Billie Holiday in the movie The United States vs. Billie Holiday. Andra Day has garnered many accolades in music and as an actress. There is a new movie out in theaters entitled Exhibiting Forgiveness featuring André Holland, Andra Day, John Earl Jelks, and Aunjanae Ellis-Taylor. Andra Day graced the stage for a captivating performance. She opened her set with “God Bless the Child,” by Billie Holiday and continued with several original selections, the highlight “Rise Up.”
The afternoon featured a phenomenal set from James Wright Chanel. The crowd was vibing with Nicole Roxanne as she performed “Tell Da Truth,” “Goodbye Mr. Lonely,” and “Rock With Me.”
The following musicians knocked it out of the park during their time in the spotlight. J. Brown’s “My Whole Heart,” “Can’t Get Enough,” and “If You See You.” Devon Morrison “No,” “Lil Lonely,” and “Anita Valentine.” Jon B wowed the crowd with “Someone to Love,” “It’s Alright With You,” “They Don’t Know,” and “Don’t Talk.” The crowd was already fired up as Club Nouveau came onstage to perform “Rumor,” “It’s Alright,” “Situation #9,” “Why You Treat Me So Bad,” and “Lean on Me.”
Durti Ryce
Durti Ryce featuring Deron is one of the world’s top-rated premier Frankie Beverly and Maze tribute bands. Durti Ryce is dedicated to preserving and celebrating the timeless music and soulful rhythms of Frankie Beverly and Maze. Durti Ryce did justice to the legacy of Frankie Beverly and Maze throughout their show-stopping set. The band put on an incredible show that featured the following selections “Look at California,” “Happy Feelin’s” “Golden Time of Day,” “While I’m Alone,” and “Can’t Get Over You.” These songs were performed during the first 30 minutes of their hour-long plus set to close out the 19th Annual Taste of Soul Family Festival. This was an unforgettable experience for all in attendance.
The Bakewell Media Stage
The Bakewell Media Stage featured performances by Tony! Toni! Toné! Featuring Dwayne Wiggins, Klymaxx, Troop, DW3, Torrence Brannon-Reese & His Everything with Soul Band, and L. Young and Friends (Tribute to Marvin Gaye.
Brenda Marsh-Mitchell Gospel Stage
Church was being held on “The Shaw” on the Brenda Marsh-Mitchell Gospel Stage. The Spirit of the Lord could be felt during the performances by William Demps, Faithful Central Young Adult Choir, Joslynn James, Divine Praise Dancers, Gospel Memorial of God in Christ of Long Beach, Daryn Wakefield, St. Stephens Baptist Church, Violinist Lady Zhe, Sons of Jericho, De’Ante Duckett & Justified Crew and Williams Singers.
Did I say that this year’s Taste of Soul Family Festival was LIT! A huge thank you to Bakewell Media which allowed guests to come together to celebrate culture, community, and tradition at the largest street festival in Los Angeles, perhaps, the largest street festival in the nation.
