top of page

BATON ROUGE SOUL FOOD FESTIVAL 2023

TALENT 

Hen black chamber pic 1.jpg
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 (2).jpg
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.  

Band-Maestro, Jim, Henry, Kasey, Larry (4).JPG
My Better Half
Ervin "Maestro" Foster, Larry "LZ" Dillon, Jim Masters

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

Eddie Cool_edited_edited.jpg
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. 

Southern Magnolia_edited.jpg
Southern Magnolia

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

Owen_edited.jpg
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.

Mike Da'Kidd (2).jpg
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.

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.

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

Gisele Haralson_edited.jpg

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.  

Andrew .jpg

Andrew Wiseman is a story teller and musician from New Orleans. He relates stories of his African heritage. 

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

SOUL FOOD TALENT         STAGE TIMES                        
SATURDAY, May 20: * All times approximate, subject to change
11:00-11:10am    Host  – Gisele Haralson
11:15-11:30   Mike Da’Kidd            
11:40-12:00   Sir AP with Lisa Harris                    
12:10-12:30   Susie Shepherd                       
12:40-1:10      My Better Half                      
1:00pm    Soul Food Cooking Contest Judging – Meats & Fish, Vegetable & Sides 
Judges: Nakia Wilson-Nelson, Rita Jones-Rushing, Jennifer Brumfield, James “Soul Man” Polk, Maria Parker, Cassandra Matthews 
1:20-1:40        Southern Magnolia                          1:50-2:10      Pastor Leon Hitchens                        2:15-2:35      Carrie Angeletti                   
2:40-3:10    Soul Food Winners – Meats and Fish, Vegetables and Side Dishes    
3:15-3:45        Kevin White                           
3:50-4:10        Priceless Lion

4:20-4:40        Pioneer Award Presentation- Sean “Boss Hogg” Huey-Café Express
4:50-5:35        Henry Turner Jr. & Flavor            
5:40-5:50        Eddie “Cool Deemer                  
6:00-6:20        Xavie Shorts                       
6:30-7:00        Kyndra Joi and Soul Theory            7:00 to close  Total Control Band                    

SUNDAY, May 21:*
11:00-11:30am  Host  – Gisele Haralson
11:30-11:50   Priceless Lion           
12:00-12:20   Princess Teha                     
12:30-1:00     Kelton ‘Nspire Harper)    
1:15-1:35       Owen Scott                               
2:00pm Soul Food Cooking Contest Judging - Appetizers/Soups, Breads/Desserts, Drinks
Judges: Nakia Wilson-Nelson, Jennifer Brumfield, James “Soul Man” Polk, Maria Parker, Cassandra Matthews 
1:45-2:05     Andrew Wiseman                   
2:10-2:50     Tina Turner Tribute – Lisa Harris     2:55-3:15     Phoenix Rouge Dance Troupe           3:30-4:00   House of God Ministries Gospel Chori              
4:15-4:30    Soul Food Winners - Appetizers & Soups, Breads & Desserts, Ices & Drinks 
4:45-5:15   SmokeHouse Porter & Miss Mamie  5:25-5:35   Eddie “Cool” Deemer                         
5:45-6:30        Henry Turner, Jr. & Flavor                 6:45-to close Kenny Neal and the Neal Family           

SmokeHouse and Miss Mamie.jpg
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. 

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.

Kenny Neal II_edited.jpg
Kenny Neal and  the Neal Family

Baton Rouge’s own American bluesman and Grammy nominated Kenny Neal returns to the festival with fan favorites and selections from his current album.  This year he will be joined members of the Neal Family.

kyndra joi.webp
Kyndra Joi and Soul Theory

Kyndra Joi and Soul Theory are staples on the New Orleans music scene. They bring a clap to your hands and groove to your feet, infusing R&B, Jazz, Funk and Soul, with Southern charm. 

Priceless Lion (3).jpg
Priceless Lion

Priceless Lion is making music that is driven by a desire to motivate, inspire, and tell his story his way. He is also a Special Olympian.

Kevin White 2023 II.jpg
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.

Lisa Harris.jpg
Lisa Harris

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

Carrie Angeletti_edited.jpg
Carrie Angeletti

Carrie Angeletti joins the festival for the first time with her soulful style. She is a regular at Henry Turner Jr.’s Listening Room.

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. 

Sir AP.jpg
SIR AP

Sir AP is an aspiring Baton Rouge poet. His current release is “My Diary.” He is an advocate for Mental Health Awareness and performs regularly at Henry Turner Jr. Listening Room. 

Phoenix Rouge II.jpg
Phoenix Rouge Dance Troupe

The Phoenix Rouge Dance Studio was founded in 2019 by Gwenda Bourgeois. She and her Sassy Belles Troupe rejoin the festival and are always a sure hit with festival goers. 

Total Control Band_edited.jpg

Total Control returns to the festival with their old school R&B, Blues, Pop and Zydeco musical styles. The six piece band is sure to get your feet tapping and dance all night.

bottom of page