The Bakewell Company
Taste of Soul Festival
The Bakewell Company
Taste of Soul Festival
The Taste of Soul Festival started as the brainchild of Los Angeles Sentinel executive publisher Danny Bakewell, Sr. who wanted to bring the Black community together for a day of fun-filled entertainment.
After collaborating with Radio One founder Cathy Hughes, L.A. City Councilmen Bernard Parks and Herb Wesson and Councilwoman Jan Perry, Bakewell’s vision was realized in October 2006, as an estimated 35,000 people came out to historic Crenshaw Blvd. in one of the largest gatherings in the city’s history.
The following year, that number grew to 75,000 and with close to 160 vendors, it became an even greater success that attracted people all over Southern California and it was established as one of the city’s most anticipated events.
2009 saw the fourth year of the Taste Soul Festival and attracted a record 100,000 attendees!
About the Los Angeles Sentinel Newspaper
The Los Angeles Sentinel is the oldest, largest, and most read Black owned newspaper in the Western United States.
Major Partners
Radio Free 102.3 KJLH is Los Angeles’ No. 1 black owned and operated radio station with a musical tradition spanning over 30 years. 102.3 FM KJLH has a unique sound with the best of urban contemporary music and specialty shows targeted to an audience of adults 25-54. KJLH is the Community Station, linking the diverse populations of the Greater Los Angeles area and produces the foremost in news and public service programming, and creates promotions of pure excitement.
In a groundbreaking move in 2006, Smooth Jazz 94.7 The WAVE (KTWV) in Los Angeles named Warner Bros recording artist Brian McKnight as host of their morning show which can be heard daily Monday through Friday from 6 a.m. to 9 a.m. KTWV is owned and operated by CBS RADIO, one of the largest major-market radio operators in the United States. A division of CBS Corporation, CBS RADIO operates 147 radio stations, the majority of which are in the nation’s top 50 markets.
Past Performers
The Taste of Soul Festival has featured many memorable performances. Below is a partial listing of the talented performers who have graced our stages throughout the past three years.
- Angela Winbush
- Angie Stone
- Ben Tankard
- Bobby Brown
- Boney James
- Brian McKnight
- Chante Moore
- Corbin Bleu
- Evelyn “Champagne” King
- Gary Taylor
- Holy Boy
- Jeff Majors
- Kenny Lattimore
- Leon Majors
- Lina
- Malcolm Jamal Warner
- Mary Jane Girls
- Onitsha the Church Girl
- Rahshaan Patterson
- Wayne Brady