Bright fuchsia banners graced with an image of the late Brenda Marsh-Mitchell and a blue mid-October sky provided a natural cathedral for the Taste of Soul’s Gospel Stage, named for the festival’s co-founder, president, and primary organizer for the first eight years of its existence.
Marsh-Mitchell was also the creator of Mothers in Action, a nonprofit she co-founded with L.A. Sentinel Executive Publisher Danny J. Bakewell, Sr. and Lillian Mobley, that seeks to improve the lives of children and families in the South Los Angeles community. The organization, which is now overseen by Marsh-Mitchell’s daughter ,Tracy Mitchell, provides services that include backpack giveaways and meals for senior citizens.
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Another mother whose actions were lauded at the Taste of Soul was Carol Watson, whose daughter, vocalist Joslynn James, (https://www.instagram.com/iamjoslynnjames/) performed on the Marsh-Mitchell Stage.
James, an L.A. native, performed several gospel tunes, including her original, “Favor.” The singer-composer has won two Grammy Awards, for background vocals on “Ain’t It Fun,” by Paramore, and for vocals on SZA’s “Gone Girl.”
“Joslynn has been singing since she was four years old,” said Watson, who flew in from Oklahoma to cheer her daughter on at Taste of Soul, accompanied by James’ son. “My father before he passed, was a pastor, and we invested thousands of dollars in her at an early age for vocal lessons. Her voice is very articulate, she is very powerful.
DJ Count set the beat for the Gospel Stage, and special guest Sr. Pastor Greg Tyler led the audience in prayer, with fervent hopes for peace and prosperity for the community. Patrick Bolton, who sung in past years on the Gospel Stage as a member of City of Refuge, served as emcee, introducing a wide variety of gospel and praise artists, including Faithful Central Young Adult Choir, the Divine Praise Dancers, Gospel Memorial Choir of Long Beach, saxophonist Darryl Wakefield, St. Stephens Baptist Church, the Sons of Jericho, violinist and composer Lady Z, and more.
“So much has been going on in the world today, so we’re just trying to bring a positive energy,” said Bolton. “We can come right here, listen to some gospel music and have a positive vibe.”
