moves while serving as co-emcees on the 94.7 Wave Stage at Taste of Soul in 2018. File Photo
The 94.7 The Wave Stage always brings classic entertainment to Taste of Soul—and excitedly, this year will continue that tradition. The lineup for this year includes legendary groups, the S.O.S. Band, Klymaxx, Evelyn Champagne King, Chosen Recovery, Cultural Soul, Tony Grant, Tay Walker and special performance by Bakewell Media’s StarQuest Best Vocalist Winner!
One of three musical powerhouses, the 94.7 Wave stage has been a source of smooth R&B and jazz at the festival. The Wave has been a proud stage sponsor since 2008 and a sponsor for the Budweiser Beer Garden, curated by the non-profit organization, Mothers in Action. The hosts for the 94.7 The Wave stage are on-air personalities Pat Prescott with special guest host CBS 2’s Pat Harvey.
“94.7 THE WAVE has been an instrumental part of Taste of Soul for the past 12 years. From the moment they joined our team they have worked tirelessly to insure that their stage and their presence at Taste of Soul is both entertaining and inspiring to everyone in attendance,” said Danny J. Bakewell, Sr., founder/creator of Taste of Soul, chairman of Bakewell Media and board chairman – Mothers in Action & LA Brotherhood Crusade.
“The WAVE stage is now a destination point at Taste of Soul with people camping out as soon as LAPD opens the streets to the public so that they can secure seats and be ready for a fun-filled day of GREAT music. Pat Prescott is not only an on-air personality on the WAVE stage, but Prescott is the Mistress of Ceremonies for our community. She, along with CBS anchor Pat Harvey, devote lots and energy to Taste of Soul not because it is their job, but because of the love they have for this community.”
Here is some info on the entertainment lineup for 2019 Taste of Soul’s 94.7 The Wave Stage:
The S.O.S. Band AKA Sounds Of Success is an R&B and electro-funk group that gained fame in the 1980s. They are best known for their songs “Take Your Time (Do It Right),” “Just Be Good to Me,” “Tell Me If You Still Care,” and “The Finest.” The Atlanta, GA-borne band started in 1977, when keyboardist/vocalist Jason Bryant, saxophonists Billy Ellis and Willie “Sonny” Killebrew, guitarist Bruno Speight, bassist John Alexander Simpson, drummer, James Earl Jones III, and lead vocalist Mary Davis formed a group called Santa Monica that played at Atlanta nightclub the Regal Room.
The all-female band is known for such hits that include “Meeting In The Ladies Room,” “The Men All Pause,” and “Miiss You,” which reached #3 on Billboard Magazine in 1986 and #4 in 1990s with “Good Love.” Under the musical direction of the original guitarist, Cheryl L. Cooley, Klymaxx continues bringing the music to the masses.
R&B singer, Evelyn “Champagne” King came to fame during the disco era and remained prominent through much of the ’80s with over two dozen charting singles. Discovered by producer, T. Life, a teenage King signed with RCA and released her first single “Dancin’ Dancin’ Dancin’,” and then another single called “Shame,” that gave her career-launching success. After two more LPs with T. Life, “Music Box” (1979) and “Call on Me” (1980), King teamed with Kashif, Paul Lawrence, and Morrie Brown for “I’m in Love” (1981) and “Get Loose” (1982). Each album garnered R&B hits, namely “I’m in Love” and “Love Come Down.”
Chosen Recovery sings “gospel recovery songs” in a variety of styles, Rev. Darlene Watley and group members regularly appear at churches and social events around Southern California. “The music ministry is where we are able to open up the portals of people’s soul to minister to them through songs, many of them that we’ve written and vocally arranged ourselves,” said Watley.
Cultural Soul is an afro-centered reggae band originally formed by International Reggae artist, Wadada Khufu and film and video Guru, Jesse Roots. They have since added elements of Hip Hop, Soul and Afro Beat. Cultural Soul is a roots, Rock Reggae force to contend with that sets them apart from other bands with flawless vocals, sweet harmonies, and great songs. Cultural Soul’s music shares a message of self-love, education, and activism.
Tony Grant is an R&B singer and actor known for his time with the group, Az Yet, with whom he performed a remake of “You’re The Inspiration.” In 2007, he released a solo album entitled “Grant Life.” In the earlier part his career, Grant was cast for the lead role in the stage play “A Good Man is Hard to Find” in 1991. He has had an active career in theatre appearing in plays like “Why Did I Get Married,” “Cheaters,” and “If These Hips Could Talk” just to name a few along with numerous film and television roles.
The Wave Stage will also welcome back the sounds of DJ Shell as he keeps the crowd moving throughout the day. Local artist, Tay Walker will also perform for the crowd. The Wave Stage will also welcome one of Bakewell Media’s StarQuest winners, who will get to perform live in front of the audience.
“Words cannot express the heartfelt Thank You that I have for Pat Prescott, Pat Harvey all of the CBS radio and television team. I also have to acknowledge Andrew Escobar, who heads up the production work for the show, his time, determination and commitment to making sure the WAVE stage is all that it can and should be does not go un noticed nor does it go un appreciated. Again, Thank You to everyone at 94.7 THE WAVE for continuing to be such an intracule part of the Taste of Soul Family,” said Bakewell.
For more information on Taste of Soul, please visit tasteofsoul.org
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