For the 19th year, the Taste of Soul reiterated why it’s the preeminent destination for food, family, fun, and culture.
Thousands flocked to the KJLH stage for an all-star lineup of performances that included Nicole Kelly, the KJLH Choir, James Wright, Lena Byrd Miles, Brent Jones, J.Brown, Andra Day, Club Nuevuo, Jon B with Devin Morrison, Dirty Rice and a special guest appearance by Eric Benet.
Producer and co-host of KJLH’s Tammi Mac show, Emmitt McGee III kicked off the morning sharing his excitement for the day’s festivities.
“The Taste of Soul is a staple in Los Angeles and LA culture. Every year the whole city pours out and it’s always good to see a collective of Black folks of all different shades and sizes, coming out to have a peaceful good time with good food and good music,” he said.
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Echoing similar sentiments was fellow KJLH radio personality, Guy Black, who invited Grammy Award Winning actress Andra Day, star of the new film, “Exhibiting Forgiveness,” to grace the KJLH stage.
“I’m excited to see our listeners, as well as the people that read the Sentinel and follow Bakewell Media. It’s amazing that so many people come out and see us every year. I think Taste of Soul is the largest free event in the country,” said Black.
Performer James Wright is known for singing background vocals for Grammy-nominated singer, Tamar Braxton. The Taste of Soul allowed him to showcase his electrifying talent center stage.
“This was special because I’m from here and it’s always a great experience to perform in front of your people,” said the South Central native.
Morning show host Adai Lamar had the honor of announcing Taste of Soul founder Danny J. Bakewell Sr. and a plethora of city leaders and festival sponsors.
“I get to tell Mr. Bakewell that we have a very special message for him and we’re going to surprise him with a message from Vice President Kamala Harris to thank him for what he does for our community. His efforts haven’t gone unnoticed in higher places, they see what he’s doing and what we all do together to make this happen,” said Lamar.
Bakewell was joined on stage with Mayor Karen Bass, Lieutenant Governor Eleni Kounalakis, Secretary of State Shirley Weber, Supervisor Holly Mitchell, former L.A. Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, and many more elected officials who all encouraged attendees to vote for Presidential nominee Kamala Harris on November 5.
“Register everyone you know to vote and let your voice be your guide and let your vote be your voice,” said Bakewell.
Explaining how KJLH decides what artists will grace their stage, renowned radio personality Tammi Mac shared, “It’s not hard to find talent to be a part of Taste of Soul because they want to let the community know that they haven’t left us so it’s really a joy for them to be able to perform. So, whenever we ask and their schedule aligns, it’s always a yes.”
Speaking of yeses, legendary singer, Eric Benet shared what coming to Taste of Soul means to him.
“It’s Black people celebrating life,” he said.
“KJLH has done so much for me personally as well as the community so whatever they ask of me, I’m there because, it’s for the culture, it’s for the community, it’s for my people and it’s for L.A.”
