Taste of Soul - Atlanta has become one of the top Atlanta food and music showcases in only its third year, and it will take place on September 2-3 in Downtown Atlanta. Pairing R&B and Soul musicians with a variety of Soul Cuisine, a kid zone, art exhibits, and a 5k run/walk. Frenchie Davis, Ricco Barrino, Phillippia, and scores of others headline the music concert. Adventurous patrons will have the opportunity to participate in the Rise Run (5K), which is a run/walk through the Downtown West. The kid's zone features games and activities for all ages.
Additional activities include a career fair, health expo, casting auditions, and more. Make sure to stick around for the Art TOSA, taking place September 3 in Castleberry Hill (local arts district), featuring exhibitions by established and upcoming local artists. We got the chance to interview Antoine McNeal, a representative for the event, to learn more about this great culinary showcase.
RAL: How long has the event been running?
AM: This is the 3rd Year of Taste of Soul - Atlanta.
RAL: How many annual participants do you draw?
AM: Organizers expect between 10,000 - 15,000 attendees.
RAL: What demographic does your event attract?
AM: The event attracts families, couples, college students, and adults. Anyone who enjoys R&B and Soul music is there.
RAL: What makes this event unique?
AM: It is an event that takes cultural elements associated with soul food and music and shares it with all of America. The secrets to great soul food cooking are revealed, anyone who experiences the South has to kick back at an event like this and get a real dose of soul southern culture and hospitality.
RAL: Take me through the activities of a day at the event?
AM: Here is a breakdown of the activities:
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Kid Zone
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Hena
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Face Painting
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Adult Games
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MAJIC Shows
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All Day Music Performances
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R&B & Soul Concert
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Career Centers
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Health Expo
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Arts & Crafts
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Mini Play Exhibitions
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Casting Auditions
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Gospel Explosion (12-2pm)
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5k Run to Kick the Festival Off
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Art TOSA (An International Art Event on Sunday to End the Festival)
RAL: Will there be any guest appearances?
AM: The event will feature some great national performers such as Frenchie Davis, Ricco Barrino, and the cast from the “Star” TV show.
RAL: What dining options will attendees encounter?
AM: The best soul food chefs and restaurants in the city.
RAL: Tell me about the atmosphere of the event.
AM: It’s a fun, relaxed, friendly and groovy environment!
RAL: Our travelers seek out unique, mom & pop, and boutique accommodations, where can they find these in your area?
AM: There are tons of mom and pop lodging options in the area, as well as a spectrum of other options. Some of our suggestions include Sugar Magnolia, Urban Oasis Bed and Breakfast, Glenn Hotel, and W Atlanta - Downtown Hotel.
RAL: Does this drive business to your local economy?
AM: Yes, it drives business to the local community and gives the community an opportunity to show off its rich history.
RAL: Why should people come to your event?
AM: West Atlanta has the largest concentration of Soul Food restaurants per capita in the world. The city is the home of soul food and the same community where many significant soul and cultural icons were raised and made impacts. This festival is held in the same community where Dr. King lived, and where MLK III still calls home. Gladys Knight was born and raised in these parts, Samuel L Jackson went to college in the neighborhood, and the list goes on and on. This festival is in the heart of Soul pop culture, and for these few days, the doors are open for the world to have a taste.
For more information about the Taste of Soul - Atlanta, please visit the event website.