2026 Lineup
SmokeHouse Porter and the Gut Bucket Blues Band return to the festival redefining Mississippi Delta and Louisiana Swamp Blues music.
Henry Turner Jr. & Flavor are 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’.
Lawrence "Geekster the SuperNerd" Luton, an independent artist from Belzoni, Mississippi, is one of very few artists that records NerdCore hip-hop and determined to use his music to promote self-love, regardless of your social status and background.
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100 Meter Scream is a Miami based contemporary Indie rock band with a Punk Pop twist.
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.
Robert “The Juice” Lenoir is a high energy performer who’s been on the Southern Soul and Blues Circuit for over 20 years. His music covers blues, oldies, Zydeco and others, and are sure to get the house rockin’.
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Keyboardist Ervin "Maestro" Foster , drummer Jim Masters and bass player King Solomon are Henry Turner Jr.s’ Listening Room All Stars and House Band. Together they appear as My Better Half performing smooth jazz.
The Phoenix Rouge Dance Studio was founded in 2019 by Gwenda Bourgeois. She and her Sassy Belles Troupe join the festival and will also do interactive demonstrations with festival goers.
International recording artist, Jessi Campo returns to the festival with her bi-lingual torch ballads and upbeat tunes.
D'RTY COT'N is a southern alternative rock band from the Greater New Orleans Area. Their music makes sure you're paying attention and has something to say to all of us.
Pastor Hitchens is a gospel, soul singer and activist. He is also known for his
upbeat personality and comedy songs.
Saxophonist Jeremy Benoit "The Real JB Saax" is a young, passionate enthusiastic jazz artist from Lafayette, Louisiana. He joins the festival for the first time.
James Margolis is a singer/songwriter from the Philadelphia area. He has played extensively on the east coast and currently lives in Brooklyn. He is touring in support of his ‘Civilianaire’ record release.
Loui Daniels is a singer-songwriter and guitarist from South Florida. He looks to bring back classic rock songwriting in a modern fashion while keeping its roots alive.
Xavie Shorts music is a reflection of this personal struggles. His powerful voice, smooth flow and heartfelt lyrics resonate with people of all ages.
Susie Shepherd is a multi-talented songwriter and singer. Her original song genres cover everything from Country to Pop to R&B and Soul.​
Crossfire Youth Ministries Band joins the festival. They are a part of the Jimmy Swaggart Ministries.
Documentary film director/producer, radio personality, author and activist, Gisele Haralson co-hosts the festival. She is the founder of A Celebration of Women and Executive Director of the Child Development Institute.
Ryan Bauta crafts infectious contemporary pop hooks, and blends them with modern Americana/Indie Folk-Rock elements. He has a keen lyrical introspection with bold arrangements.
TASTE OF THE DEEP SOUTH TALENT STAGE TIMES
Location: EBRPL-Main Library, 7711 Goodwood Blvd., BR 70806
SATURDAY, Sept. 19: * All times approximate, subject to change
12:00-12:15 Host: Princess Teha and Kerwyn Fealing
12:30-12:55 Wyanda Paul Jazz/Gospel
1:00-1:25 Geekster the Super Nerd Hip Hop
1:30-2:00 Princess Teha Contemporary Christian
2:15-2:40 Pastor Leon Hitchens Gospel/R&B
2:45-3:10 Phoenix Rouge Dance Troupe Belly Dancing
3:30-4:00 King Solomon Blues/Soul
4:15-4:45 Contest: Henry Turner Jr. Look-a-Like
5:00-5:20 My Better Half Band Smooth Jazz
5:30-6:00 Russell Gulley Blues
6:15-7:00 Henry Turner Jr. & Flavor Blues, Soul, Reggae
7:15-7:45 DRTY COTN Blues
SUNDAY, Sept. 20*
12:00-12:15 Host: Princess Teha and Kewin Fealing
12:20-12:45 Loui Daniels Alt Rock
12:50-1:15 Paul O’Donnell Neil Diamond Tribute
1:20-1:45 Susie Shepherd Country/Pop
2:00-2:25 Xavie Shorts Contemporary Christian
2:30-3:00 Jessi Campo Latin
3:15-3:40 SmokeHouse Porter and the Gut Bucket Blues Band
3:45-4:15 My Better Half (Maestro) Smooth Jazz/Pop
4:30-5:00 Contest: Watermelon Eating
5:00-5:25 Kelton ‘Inspire Harper Motivational
5:30-6:15 Henry Turner Jr. & Flavor Blues, Soul, Reggae
6:25-6:55 James Margolis Blues/Folk/Jazz
7:00-7:30 Voo Doo Junction BluesRock
*Lineup subject to change and all times approximate
Free Spirit is a runway model originally from Alabama, she joins the festival as co-host and spokesperson.
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I‘Nspire is a spoken word artist, producer, motivational speaker and one of the Listening Room All-Stars. He is currently producing “The Artists’ Platform” scheduled to air on television later this year.
CONTESTS:
Come join the fun and enter any or all of our three contests!
A Henry Turner Jr. Look-A-Like Contest on Saturday
The Dance and Watermelon Eating Contests on Sunday
For more information and entry forms contact
Marcia Groff at entertainmg@gmail.com or call 310-721-1592