Before Taste of Soul (TOS) ignited Crenshaw Blvd into a festival of love, brotherhood and community on October 15 there was the day before. On Friday, October 14, TOS Media Day commenced with an event-filled day which culminated with the TOS VIP Reception at the California African American Museum (CAAM).
TOS Media Day is a special day where sponsors, vendors, entertainment and politicians meet and mingle with media before the big day. TOS vendors like Brother’s BBQ, Dulans Soul Food & Cocoa Pita Jamaican Cuisine got a chance to meet with media outlets and spoke with the Sentinel about TOS.
94.7 The Wave broadcast live from the L.A. Sentinel office began at 6:00 am – 10:00 am, where on-air talent, Pat Prescott, interviewed celebrities and rocked soulful R&B music throughout the morning.
CBS2/KCAL 9, TOS’s television partner, were there to interview talent and do live shots for TV from the Sentinel throughout the morning. KCAL 9 broadcasted the weather on air live from the Sentinel Office all morning starting at 7:00 am each hour until 11:00 am.
KTLA/5 and Fox 11 also broadcasted live to showcase and preview some of the delicious food that would be available at the TOS the following day.
“We like the beautiful people that show up to Taste of Soul,” said Rocelious Bennet of Brother’s BBQ. “Taste of Soul really is a fun thing to do and a great way to promote our business and meet new customers.”
TOS Media has become an event where talent is on full display with live music and performances. The Connect Band serenaded Crenshaw Blvd and TOS Staff with their smooth sounds all morning. McDonald’s 2016 Inspiration Celebration Gospel’s performers, Donald Taylor and L.A. Mass Choir, lifted everyone’s spirit with a live acapella performance. StarQuest Kids finalists, Sanaa Gray and Chloe Roston, also performed live for the day.
Later in the evening, the TOS VIP Reception took place at CAAM in Exposition Park for a night of dining, entertainment and socializing. Chevy was the premier sponsor of the VIP Reception, with their breathtaking car displays and red corvette which stole the show. The TOS VIP Reception brings together TOS co-chairs and sponsors for a fun-filled evening of networking and good company.
Guest were entertained by 2015 StarQuest Winner, Tia P, and DJ JiJi Sweet, who rocked the evening with old school music. Guest were also treated to a photo booth to get a chance to make a memento of the occasion. The gala was catered by Daria LeSassier, of LeSassier Catering, who provided guests with a soul food experience. Danny J. Bakewell, Sr., Bakewell Media Chair & Founder & Organizer of TOS welcomed many city officials, organizations, notables and business executives, including TOS Chairs Mayor Eric Garcetti, L.A. County Supervisor Mark Ridley-Thomas, L.A. City Council President, Herb Wesson and City Councilman Marqueece Harris-Dawson.
Pamela Bakewell contributed to this article.
