Wendell B among others to headline annual Soul Fest

News-Times
News-Times

It’s time to grab your coolers and lawn chairs and head to South Arkansas Soul Fest.

And hurry, because today is the last day to purchase early-bird tickets for $20.

The annual concert celebrating blues, southern soul and R&B music is set for June 9 at the Union County Fairgrounds, 1430 E. 19th (at the intersection of Martin Luther King).

Gates open at 6 p.m. and the show starts at 7 p.m.

Presented by Mr. Mike’s Productions, the 17th annual show will feature an expanded musical lineup with some of the biggest names on the blues and Southern Soul circuit.

Headliners are Wendell B, Avail Hollywood and Jeter Jones, with featured performers Mo B, Sweet Angel, Royal D, Chris Ivy and Magic One.

Hosting the event will be P2K and DJ Big Daddy in Da Mixx.

Several of the acts have previously performed for Soul Fest and other local shows promoted by Mr. Mike’s — including the annual Southern Soul Showdown, which is held each fall at the fairgrounds, and intermittent concerts, such as the holiday-themed Thanks for Giving Us the Blues concert that was held in 2016 in the El Dorado Municipal Auditorium.

Michael Jackson, of Mr. Mike’s Productions and Mr. Mike’s Music and Artwork, has said that many of the acts have become local fan favorites and have regional hit songs that have struck a chord with blues, R&B and Southern Soul enthusiasts who request that they return to El Dorado.

An average crowd of 1,500 — 2,000 flock to the fairgrounds each year. Many are out-of-town visitors who flow in from other Arkansas cities and Louisiana, Texas, Mississippi, Tennessee and Oklahoma.

The event has become one of the most highly anticipated live-music shows in South Arkansas, with local hotels and motels having reported a marked increase in receipts during Soul Fest weekend.

Food, photography and other vendors will be onsite.

Jackson said advance ticket sales are going well.

Today is the final day for $20 tickets. Starting Sunday and heading into the next week, prices will progressively increase from $25 to $30.

Tickets will be $35 at the gate.

Tickets may be purchased at Mr. Mike’s Music and Artwork; Special Touch in Camden; C&F Liquor in Bearden; JB’s in Crossett; Golden Girls in Warren; Record Rack in Pine Bluff and Ugly Mike’s in Little Rock.

In Louisiana, tickets are available at Martha’s Boutique (Ruston), King of Wings (Monroe) and Poppa’s Liquor (Arcadia).

Proceeds will benefit Brothers Making Changes, a nonprofit organization started by Jackson to provide support, guidance and direction to area teens and young adults.

For more information about Soul Fest or Brothers Making Changes, call Jackson at 870-866-7441.

Tia Lyons may be contacted at 870-862-6611 or by email at tlyons@ eldoradonews.com.

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