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.
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.
Free Spirit
Free Spirit is a runway model originally from Alabama, she joins the festival as co-host and spokesperson for the second time.
Stephen King
Stephen King is an award-winning gospel rap artist, lyricist, songwriter, R&B artist, and minister currently living in Louisiana. He is a captivating American Christian rap artist.
Ny'Aria
The Songstress/Songwriter with 20 years of Entertainment Industry experience has traveled extensively performing at Disney UK & Disney Paris.
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.
Eilene Rockette featuring the TBJ Band and guest debut at the festival with their gospel jazz songs.
Lauded as pioneers of “Chi-Pop” (Indie R&B/Pop), Attack the Sound (ATS) has solidified itself as a cornerstone of Chicago’s vibrant music scene. Founded by Army veteran and current Chicago Firefighter Davo Sounds, ATS masterfully fuses jazz, hip-hop, blues, gospel, and rock, crafting a sound that’s as electrifying as it is smooth.
SOUL FOOD TALENT STAGE TIMES
SATURDAY, May 17: * All times approximate, subject to change
11:00-11:10 Hosts: Free Spirit
11:15-11:35 Pastor Leon Hitchens (Gospel/R&B)
11:40-12:00 Phoenix Rouge Dance Troupe (Belly Dancing)
12:10-12:35 Ervin “Maestro” Foster & My Better Half (Jazz/Pop/Blues)
12:40-1:00 Outlaw David James
1:00pm Soul Food Cooking Contest Judging – Meats & Fish, Vegetable & Sides Judges: Rita Rushing Jones, Nokia
1:15-1:45 Stephen King (Christian Rap)
2:00-2:20 Ny’Aira (R&B/Soul)
2:30-3:00 LA Groove (Old School R&B)
3:15-3:35 Jelly B & D’Wolfe (Southern Soul/Blues)
3:45-4:15 Eilene Rockette (Gospel/Jazz)
featuring TBJ Band and guest
4:20-4:40 Soul Food Winners – Meats and Fish, Vegetables and Side Dishes
4:45-5:15 TMQ Band Tino Martinez (Instrumental Jazz)
5:20-5:30 Pioneer Award - Owen’s Grocery and Deli - Cynthia Green
5:35-6:20 Henry Turner Jr. & Flavor (Soul/Blues/Funk/Reggae)
6:30-6:45 Eddie “Cool” Deemer (Comedian)
7:00 to close SmokeHouse Porter and the Gut Bucket Blues Band
SUNDAY, May 18:*
11:00-12:00Hosts: Free Spirit
12:00-12:20 Outlaw David James (Motivational Rap)
12:30-12:45 Princess Teha (Christian/World)
1:00-1:20 ‘Nspire (Motivational)
1:30-2:00 Katrina (Southern Soul)
2:00pm Soul Food Cooking Contest Judging - Appetizers/Soups, Breads/Desserts, Beverages
Judges: Rita Jones Rushing, Nakia Wilson-Nelson,
2:10-2:40 King Solomon (R&B/Soul)
2:45-3:00 Susie Shepherd (Country/Pop)
3:15-3:45 Attack The Sound (Jazz/Hip Hop/Blues)
4:00-4:30 Lisa Harris (Tina Turner Tribute)
4:40-5:00 Soul Food Winners - Appetizers & Soups, Breads & Desserts, Ices & Drinks
5:15-5:45 TMQ Band (Instrumental Jazz)
5:50-6:00 Eddie “Cool” Deemer (Comedy)
6:15-7:00 Henry Turner, Jr. & Flavor (Blues/Soul/Funk/Reggae)
7:15-to close Vince Hutchinson & The Original Heavy Storm Band
(Soul/R&B)
SmokeHouse Porter & the Gut Bucket Blues Band
The King of the Gut Bucket Blues and Slim Harpo 2018 Award winner returns to the festival with his Mississippi Delta and Louisiana Swamp Blues.
Pastor Leon Hitchens
Pastor Hitchens performs is a gospel, soul singer and activist. He is also known for his upbeat personality and comedy songs.
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.
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.
Jelly B & D'Wolfd
Jelly B & D’ Wolfe’s original songs cover blues, jazz, Hip Hop, R&B and Southern Soul with a twist of country. Joining the festival for the first time they also appear at Teddy’s Juke Joint.
LA Grove
The multi-genre dance band, LA Groove, joins the festival for the first time. They are Snerling J. Lockwood Jr. on lead vocals and bass, Lady Tee on lead vocals, Charles Alexander on guitar and Anthon ‘Pooh Bear’ Ebbs on drums.
The Outlaw David Jame$
Outlaw David Jame$ is an artist whose music resonates deeply with those who have faced adversity, triumph, and the powerful human spirit that overcomes it all.
Lisa Harris
Lisa Anne Harris joins the lineup with her powerhouse tribute to the legendary Tina Turner.
TMQ Band
Tino Martinez is an exceptionally talented bandleader and tenor saxophonist who received the esteemed Best of Bermuda Award in 2022, highlighting his remarkable musical abilities.
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.
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.
Gisele Harralson returns to host the festivals. She is a filmmaker, book author and pod cast host.