top of page

BATON ROUGE SOUL FOOD FESTIVAL 2026

TALENT 

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’ .

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.  

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. 

Rodney Gipson

Rodney Gipson is a versatile composer, arranger, and producer dedicated to creating powerful, resonant music that reaches listeners on a global scale. He returns to Baton Rouge after making his debut at the Mardi Gras Festival. 

Rodney Gipson II.jfif
Free Spirit II.JPG
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.jpg
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.

Uncle Chess II.jpg
Uncle Chess

Uncle Chess is a smooth southern soul singer who is always a hit at the festivals. We are pleased to welcome him back.

Xavie Shorts 2023.jpg
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 Rock.jpg
Autumn Brown.jpg
TGJ Band.png

Eilene Rockette featuring the TBJ Band and guest debut at the festival with their gospel jazz songs. 

Karly Monday.jpeg

Karly Monday is a soulful vocalist and keyboardist blending contemporary and blues-inspired Christian music with heartfelt storytelling. She writes original songs and also performs rock, pop, ballads, and Americana with rich emotion and faith.

Sir AP 2023 II.jpg

SOUL FOOD TALENT         STAGE TIMES                    
SATURDAY, May 23: * All times approximate, subject to change
11:00-11:10 Hosts: Free Spirit, Kerwin Fealing and Princess Teha with DJ Olu
11:15-11:35    Adam Gabriel (Soul/Southern Blues)
11:40-12:00    Susie Shepherd (R&B/Country)
12:10-12:40     Ervin “Maestro” Foster & My Better Half (Jazz/Pop/Blues)    
12:50-1:15    Phoenix Rouge Dance Troupe (Belly Dancing)
1:00pm    Soul Food Cooking Contest Judging – Meats & Fish, Vegetable & Sides Judges: Reggie Marion, Rita Rushing Jones, Nokia Wilson-Nelson
1:20-1:45    Stephen King (Christian Rap)
2:00-2:20    Pastor Leon Hitchens  (Christian/Gospel)    
2:30-3:00    Shadow Road Band  (Blue Eyed Soul)
3:15-3:45     Karly Monday (Christian)
4:00-4:15    Soul Food Winners – Meats and Fish, Vegetables and Side Dishes
4:30-5:15    Henry Turner Jr. & Flavor (Soul/Blues/Funk/Reggae)  
5:25-5:45    Mustard Greens and Cornbread Eating Contest
6:00-6:30    Carlo Ditta (New Orleans R&B)    
6:40-7:10    Rodney Gipson (Jazz)
7:20 to close LA Grove (Old School R&B)

SUNDAY, May 24:*
11:00-12:00 Hosts: Free Spirit, Kerwin Fealing and Princess Teha with DJ Olu
11:30-11:50  Ms. Pressure (Southern Soul)
12:00-12:20     Mr. Cotton (Southern Blues/Soul)
12:30-12:50 Xavie Shorts (Christian)
1:00-1:20    Kelton ‘Nspire Harper (Motivational)
1:30-1:50     King Solomon (Blues/R&B/Soul)
2:10-2:40    House of God Praise Team (Gospel Choir)
2:00pm Soul Food Cooking Contest Judging - Appetizers/Soups, Breads/Desserts, Beverages
Judges: Reggie Marion, Rita Jones Rushing, Nakia Wilson-Nelson
2:50-3:10     Uncle Chess (R&B/Soul)
3:25-3:55     Lisa Harris-Tina Turner Tribute
4:05-4:25    Sir AP (Poet)
4:30-5:00    Soul Food Winners - Appetizers & Soups, Breads & Desserts, Ices & Drinks 
5:15-6:00    Henry Turner, Jr. & Flavor  (Blues/Soul/Funk/Reggae)5:30-5:45     
6:15-6:40    Princess Teha (Christian)
7:00 to close Eilene Rockette (Gospel/Jazz)
*Lineup Subjec
t to Change

ISir AP is a Poet and spoken word artist Sir AP last release was “My Diary.” He is an advocate for Mental Health Awareness and is a performer at Henry Turner Jr. Listening Room. your own text and edit me. It's easy.

Carlo Ditta.jpg
Carlo Ditta

Carlo Ditta, a singer-songwriter from New Orleans. A seasoned record producer he plays guitar and is a singer/songwriter. sharing his life experiences through his original compositions and the New Orleans R&B repertoire that shaped his musical outlook.

Pastor Leon III.jpg
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.jpg
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.

HOG Praise Team.jpeg
House of God Praise Team Choir

The House of God Praise Team Gospel Choir returns to the festival with their incredible songs and harmonies. 

Mr. Cotton.jpg
Mr. Cotton

Mister Cotton's join the festivals with his latest release is titled “ You Deserve Better.” Come feel the vibe of his transformation journey as Mister Cotton continues sharing his soulful journey through his soulful music.
 

LA Groove Band Square.jpeg
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. 

Shadow road band.jfif
​

Shadow Road Band from Lafayette is a blue-eyed soul group with emphasis on Otis Redding, Sam & Dave, and Wilson Pickett. They make their debut at the festival.

Lisa Harris.jpg
Lisa Harris

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

Ms. Pressure II.jpg
Ms. Pressure

Ms. Pressure returns to the festival with her brand of Southern Soul and R&B. Her nickname is the South Baton Rouge Princess.

Susie Sheperd.jpg
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. 

adam gabriel.avif
Adam Gabriel

Adam Gabriel is a profoundly gifted singer-songwriter and performer who wields a masterful blend of Southern Blues with folk/rock undertones and rich, soulful vocals.

Phoenix Rouge II.jpg
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. 

I'm a paragraph. Click here to add your own text and edit me. It's easy.

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. 

Kerwin Fealing.jpg

Kerwyn Fealing is a radio personality and television personality.    

bottom of page