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BATON ROUGE SOUL FOOD FESTIVAL 2024

TALENT 

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Henry Turner Jr. & Flavor

Well known for the syncopated style of music that is called Louisiana blues, soul, reggae and funk, their tongue-in-cheek lyrics and upbeat dance tunes gets their audiences movin’ and groovin’ .

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Nspire and the Inspiration Band

Kelton ‘Nspire Harper is a spoken word artist, producer and motivational speaker. A Listening Room All-star he is also host of the TV show “Be a Blessing with “Nspire,” that is currently in production for its second season.  

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Ervin "Maestro" Foster, Jim Masters and King Solomon  

Henry Turner Jr.’s backing band, My Better Half, steps on center stage with their jazz, pop and original songs. They are Ervin “Maestro” Foster., Jim Masters and King Solomon. 

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Eddie "Cool" Deemer

The resident comic at Henry Turner Jr.s’ Listening Room, his ability to string movie titles, candy and household products into stories always make people laugh. 

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Southern Magnolia

Southern Magnolia, a former backup singer for Henry Turner Jr. & Flavor now takes center stage with her style of southern soul. 

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Owen Scott

Owen Scott is a powerful guitar player and thought provoking songwriter who is equally at home writing in various genres music that include blues, pop and rock. He is also a Listening Room All-Star.

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Mike Da'Kidd

Michael Elisha Smith, also known as Mike Da’Kidd is a 19 year old gospel rap artist from Baton Rouge, Louisiana.  He is making his debut at the festival.

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Xavie Shorts

Xavie Shorts music is a reflection of his personal struggles. His powerful voice, smooth flow and heartfelt lyrics resonate with people of all ages.

House of God Ministries Gospel Choir joins the festival for the third year in a row with their joyous music. 

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Host Gisele Haralson is a documentary film director/producer, radio personality, author and activist.  She is the founder of A Celebration of Women and Executive Director of the Child Development Institute.  

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Krazy D joins the festival in support of his current single, “Put Down the Guns” from this “Bog City” album. He was also the opening act for MC Nero. 

SOUL FOOD TALENT         STAGE TIMES                
SATURDAY, May 18: * All times approximate, subject to change
11:00-11:10am Host Announcements – Gisele Haralson
11:30-11:45    Shawnte Floyd    (Contemporary Christian) 
11:55-12:15    Pastor Leon Hitchens  (Gospel/R&B)
12:20-12:45     Princess Teha    (Christian/World)
1:00-1:30    Ervin “Maestro” Foster   (Jazz/Pop/Blues)    
1:00pm    Soul Food Cooking Contest Judging – Meats & Fish, Vegetable & Sides 
1:40-2:00    Southern Magnolia     (Southern Soul)
2:10-2:30    Mike Da’Kidd    (Christian Rap)    
2:35-2:55    Krazy D        (Hip/Hop)    
3:10-3:30    Owen Scott        (Blues)
3:15-3:30    ‘Nspire        (Motivational)
3:40-4:00    Soul Food Winners – Meats and Fish, Vegetables and Side Dishes
Judges: Chef Shanika, Larry Warren, Ricky Griffin, Rita Rushing Jones
4:15-4:45    Double Trouble Zydeco Band    (Zydeco)    
4:50-5:10    Pioneer Award  - The New Ethel’s Snack Shack - Paulette Thomas
5:20-6:00    Henry Turner Jr. & Flavor(Soul/Blues/Funk/Reggae)  
6:15-6:45    Joe Tex II        (R&B)    
7:00 to close     Vince Hutchinson and 
The Original Heavy Storm Band (Southern Soul/R&B)
SUNDAY, May 19:*
11:00-11:30am Host Announcements – Gisele Haralson
11:30-11:50    Xavie Shorts (Contemporary Christian) 
12:00-12:20    Kevin White     (Pop/Funk)
12:30-12:45    Krystal Parker (Southern Soul)     
1:00-1:20    Katrina    (Southern Soul)
1:30-2:00    Contemporary Worship    (Contemporary Christian)
2:00pm Soul Food Cooking Contest Judging - Appetizers/Soups, Breads/Desserts, Drinks
Judges: Larry Warren, Ricky Griffin, Rita Rushing Jones
2:10-2:25     King Solomon    (R&B/Soul)
2:30-3:00    Tina Turner Tribute – Lisa Harris (Rock)        
3:10-3:30    Phoenix Rouge Dance Troupe    (Belly Dancing)    
3:45-4:15    House of God Ministries Gospel Singers  (Gospel)    
4:20-4:40    Soul Food Winners - Appetizers & Soups, Breads & Desserts, Ices & Drinks 
4:45-5:00    Susie Shepherd    (Country/Pop)
5:05-5:15       Eddie “Cool” Deemer     (Comedy)
5:30-6:15    Henry Turner, Jr. & Flavor (Blues/Soul/Funk Reggae)    
6:30-to close SmokeHouse Porter and Miss Mamie (Blues)

 

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SmokeHouse Porter and Miss Mamie

The King and Queen of the Gut Bucket Blues are Slim Harpo 2018 Award winners. Together they redefine the Mississippi Delta and Louisiana Swamp 
Blues. 

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Pastor Leon Hitchens

Pastor Hitchens performs is a gospel, soul singer and activist. He is also known for his upbeat personality and comedy songs. 

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Princess Teha

Princess Teha is of Nigerian descent. She has been singing Contemporary Christian and Gospel Music since the age of four. Her angelic voice has been described as an awesome gift from God.

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Vince Hutchinson & The Original Heavy Storm Band

Vince Hutchinson and the Original Heavy Storm Band join the festival with their explosive Southern Soul and R&B tunes. 

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Joe Tex II

Joe Tex II joins the festival with his brand of R&B. Following in the footsteps of his father, the Baton Rouge native makes a rare appearance in his home town. 

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Contemporary Worship

Contemporary is a multi-genre band based out of Atlanta, GA. They present Christian music in a fresh, new, clever, and uncommercial way.

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Kevin White

Kevin White is the newest member of the Listening Room All-Stars. He joins us after spending years touring with Chris Thomas King nationally and internationally.

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Lisa Harris

Lisa Anne Harris joins the lineup with her powerhouse tribute to the legendary Tina Turner.

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Krystal Parker

Local songstress Krystal Parker debuts her new EP K.I.S.S. at the room. She debuted her first CD at the room several years ago. 

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Susie Shepherd

Susie Shepherd is a multi-talented songwriter and singer. Her original song genres cover everything from Country to Pop, R&B and Soul. She is regular performer at Henry Turner Jr.’s Listening Room. 

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Katrina

Katrina returns to the festival. The Southern Soul singer has been seen on Henry's Listening Room TV show.  

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Phoenix Rouge Dance Troupe

Local songstress Krystal Parker debuts her new EP K.I.S.S. at the room. She debuted her first CD at the room several years ago. 

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King Solomon plays bass in Henry Turner Jr.’s Flavor band. As a songwriter he plays piano and known for his catchy tunes with satirical lyrics. 

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​Double Trouble joins the festival! The twins Benjamin and Bervick are a duo that have their hearts in the roots of Creole Culture in Louisiana and in their celebration of Zydeco music. 

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Contemporary Christian singer Shawnte Floyd joins the festival. She released her first video in February. 

Culinary Institute of America and MasterChef alumna Chef Shanika joins the judging panel for Saturday's festivities along with past recipient Ricky Griffin and Larry Warren along  with returning judge Rita Rushing Jones.

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