The Taste of Soul Family Festival, in partnership with Radio Free KJLH, is the music industry’s premier street festival, marking 19 years of unparalleled performances of gospel, funk, and R&B.
But this year may be one of the most memorable as the station honored Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass with the Cultural Icon Award and paid homage to a musical icon Frankie Beverly and Maze only days after his passing.
The first African American woman to hold the revered position, Bass reminded attendees that the election was only 17 days away and encouraged them to vote.
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“What you see up here is unity,” said Bass, referring to the elected officials standing behind her. “…because the only way we get things done is when we’re all standing together. We stand together and we work together on behalf of our community.”
After the mayor exited the stage, the audience was back on its feet enjoying more great music by artists we know and love.
Known for its “Spread The Word” program, KJLH presented gospel sensation Brent Jones and a full choir to raise the praise with tracks from his “Live Your Best Life” album, transforming the festival into an open-air church.
J. Brown brought the sizzle with his sensual hits such as “If You Could See You” and engaged the ladies with some hand-holding serenading. Andra Day had the audience spellbound with her beauty and social justice hit “Rise Up” and more.
Audiences danced in the aisle with pleasure dance tunes from Club Nouveau’s hits like “Rumor.”
Devin Morison provided a refreshing ethereal blend of R&B. A KJLH favorite, John B turned up the temperature with his chart-topping smooth hits “Don’t Talk.”
Saving the best for last, the audience was treated to a tribute to Frankie Beverly by Durti Ryce. Beverly’s music influenced a generation and left an enduring legacy. Lead singer Deron channeled the singer’s baritone voice in mesmeric perfection. It was clear that Durti Ryce recognized the immense importance this tribute meant to Beverly’s fans given the recent passing of the charismatic singer.
“I’m going to keep him going,” said Deron who never met Beverly.
“But he’s in me. He got me back to loving music again when I started listening to songs like ‘Joy and Pain,’ …I told him in my thoughts that I am going to carry him.”
