The One and Only Family Festival set for Saturday Oct. 18
The boundless and limitless ‘Taste of Soul” Family Festival will unfold to its generous nation when Celebrity Chair Queen Latifah reigns over the 9th annual gigantic cultural celebration on Saturday Oct. 18 beginning at 10a.m.
Presented by Bakewell Media association with Mothers In Action and returning Chairs such as Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti, Los Angeles Council President Herb Wesson, Los Angeles County Supervisor Mark Ridley-Thomas and Los Angeles City Councilman Bernard Parks, Taste of Soul is held south of Crenshaw from Stocker to north of Crenshaw to Rodeo.
While media partners 94.7 The Wave will host the Taste of Soul Wave Stage and Radio Free KJLH 102.3 will master the Taste of Soul KJLH Stage, to the east and west side of the famous boulevard will be an array of favorite eateries, beverages and sweet treats that are deliciously savory.
In between the dynamic chefs from our own community cooking and stewing menus that we have become familiar with, will be the inaugural Brenda Marsh- Mitchell Gospel Stage.
Marsh-Mitchell who was the longtime President of Taste of Soul passed away on Aug. 3, leaving a void and legacy of community service that could never be replaced.
Among her favorite stages was the gospel because it spoke to the stirring souls, and thus her name will forever be associated with the music and stage she adored.
Also returning will be the StarQuest Stage, a talent showcase of our children and young adults in a manner that only could be presented at Taste of Soul.
Founder and Creator of Taste of Soul, Danny J. Bakewell Sr. set forth a blue print of a vision that not only celebrated its vast talents and culinary dishes, but also a foundation for economic empowerment.
Many business and start-up ventures have discovered Taste of Soul to be an engine for financial success.
Its broad appeal allows for the many small Black businesses to be face to face with their consumers. Corporate sponsors have been lured back over and over again by the sheer over powering numbers of individuals with whom they could not reach otherwise.
Taste of Soul is Los Angeles’ largest street festival which exceeded one million attendees after eight years and anticipates growing even larger amid the METRO construction on Crenshaw Blvd.
“We Are Incredible Together,” is an appropriate theme that Bakewell has coined for this years festival and no one can attest to that like the expected hundreds of thousands who will dot Crenshaw Blvd. from 10a.m.-7p.m. Saturday.
Taste of Soul is presented by the Los Angeles Sentinel Newspaper and benefits several South L.A. non-profit organizations.
Taste of Soul is a free family-friendly event hosted in partnership with Mothers In Action, the City of Los Angeles, Radio Free 102.3 KJLH, and 94.7 The Wave.
“I’m proud to be one of the Chairs for the 9th Annual Taste of Soul Festival. This event truly kicks off the fall with a bang. I love seeing the different communities, cuisines, sounds, and organizations come together for this spectacular event every year,” Councilmember Parks said.
“The Bakewell family and the Los Angeles Sentinel outdo themselves every year and I can’t wait to see all of you there,” Parks said.
Like Parks, L.A. County Supervisor Mark Ridley-Thomas is anticipating being involved with Taste of Soul. Ridley-Thomas has served as the county’s supervisor since 2008. He has promoted some of the district’s interests in transportation, job creation, retention and hiring. He also oversaw the new construction of Martin Luther King Jr. Community Hospital. He advocates the importance of technology and secured funding for health clinics in underserved areas.
“It is an honor to Chair the 9th annual Taste of Soul extravaganza,” Supervisor Mark Ridley-Thomas said. “Year after year this exceptional event in the heart of the Crenshaw community celebrates family, music and delicious food. Whether your preference is a burger, barbecue, or gourmet salad, and whether your musical taste encompasses both gospel and rhythm and blues, Taste of Soul is always a wonderful experience. Like so many Angelenos I look forward to it every year.”
Councilman Herb Wesson, whose 10th Council District is a big part of Taste of Soul, is truly excited about this time of the year.
“The annual Taste of Soul promises to be another community spectacular! It’s again my honor to be a Chair of this amazingly successful event, and I want to welcome everyone in Southern California to Crenshaw Boulevard,” Wesson said.
Wesson has worked tirelessly to secure the Brenda Marsh-Mitchell Square on the intersection of Coliseum and Crenshaw Blvd. “You and your family will experience the incredible food and entertainment that’s been planned. I look forward to seeing you,” Wesson said.
Mayor Eric Garcetti is serving as Chair for the second time and Bakewell Sr. looks forward to his participation.
“We are pleased to welcome the Honorable Mayor Eric Garcetti back as Chair to the Taste of Soul. He has always been supportive and we look forward to his leadership this year in making the 9th Annual Taste of Soul one of the biggest and best ever,” Bakewell Sr. released in a statement.
Co-Chairs for the event will be Congresswoman Karen Bass, Councilman Curren Price, Assemblyman Isadore Hall, Los Angeles Unified School District Seat 1 Board Member Dr. George McKenna, KCBS-TV News Anchor Pat Harvey and the prestigious Ivie, McNeill & Wyatt Law Firm.
“Each of our co-chairs has demonstrated in their professional and private lives their commitment to the Black community and they have steadfastly supported causes that inspire peace, unity and love,” stated Bakewell. “We are happy to welcome our Chairs and Co-Chairs to the 9th Annual Taste of Soul and look forward to a day of fun filled entertainment and lots of good food.”
