The Southern-fried food and music of this year’s traveling Soul Food Festival are making their way back to Louisville, with Atlantic Starr and Dru Hill in tow.
Louisville is the second stop on this year’s tour, and organizer Ken Clay says he’s hoping to build on last year’s success.
This year’s lineup takes over the Great Lawn instead of the Harbor Lawn, which means more space for the audience.
“It was clear that we needed to look for a larger space, and the Great Lawn gives us that extra space, while still maintaining that intimacy and camaraderie that so many people felt last year. It’s a very audience-friendly festival,” says Clay, who’s predicting this event will double last year’s attendance.
As the name might lead you to believe, the festival isn’t all about the music: Soul food mainstays like chicken, ribs, sweet potato pie and macaroni and cheese will be served.
The most eye-catching name on the bill is Sisqó, famous for his 2000 hit “The Thong Song.” R&B groups Con Funk Shun and TROOP, both from California, had strings of top 10 hits in the 1980s and continue to promote their legacy this year. Atlanta natives The SOS Band, known for their work with Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis (also in the ’80s), spawned such hits as “Just Be Good To Me” and “The Finest.”
Veterans Dru Hill basically ruled the R&B charts in the late 1990s, with “How Deep Is Your Love,” “In My Bed” and “Tell Me.” The group is getting back together for a reunion tour this year without original member Woody, who left to dedicate himself to gospel ministry. Newest member Tao takes his spot. Tickets to the Soul Food Festival are on sale now at Better Days Records at Lyles Mall, ear X-tacy, Jambuster’s Balloons & More, Syl’s Lounge and online at www.ilovesoulfood.com.
VIP tickets include table seating in front of the stage and a separate refreshment area.
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Soul Food Festival
Saturday, June 14
Great Lawn @ Waterfront Park
$25, $50 (VIP); 2:30 p.m. (doors)
