Baton Rouge Soul Food Festival Details + Cooking Contest Open
Plus, the Stage Lineup and Pre-Party
BATON ROUGE (press release) – The 9th Annual Baton Rouge Soul Food Festival takes place May 23 and 24 at East Baton Rouge Parish Main Library (7711 Goodwood Blvd., Baton Rouge, La., 70806), 11 a.m. – 8 p.m. both days.
The family-friendly event is free to the public and features blues, soul, R&B, gospel and Christian music. Other events include:
- Vendor’s Village
- Judged Soul Food Cooking Contest
- NEW! Mustard Greens and Cornbread Eating Competition
Baton Rouge Soul Food Festival Cooking Contest
The Soul Food Cooking Competition is now open to entrants and highlights regional favorites from Louisiana, Texas, Mississippi, Alabama, Georgia and Florida. Categories include:
- Meats
- Vegetable and Side Dishes
- Breads and Desserts
- Appetizers and Soups
- Beverage and Ices
Judging Criteria:
- Presentation
- Taste
- Story/History behind each dish
Ten entrants in each category will be pre-selected by the Soul Food screening committee. Upon acceptance, the entry fee is $20 and $30 for walk-ups, if slots are available.
Contestants need to bring enough food for six people on the day of judging. First, second and third place prizes will be awarded in each category.
Schedule:
- Saturday at 1 p.m., Meats & Fish and Vegetables & Sides Judging
- Awards Presentation at 3:40 p.m.
- Sunday at 2 p.m., Appetizers, Desserts and Drinks Judging
- Awards Presentation at 4:20 p.m.
- Contest closes May 18
Downloadable forms and additional instructions are available on the website. For more information, call 225-802-9681.
Stage Lineup
The stage lineup is expected to include Henry Turner Jr. & Flavor and the Listening Room. All-stars include Ervin “Maestro” Foster and the My Better Half Band, King Solomon, Princess Teha and Kelton ‘ Nspire Harper.
New to the Baton Rouge Soul Food Festival this year are Southern Blues man Adam Gabriel and jazz guitarist Rodney Gipson from Chicago.
Returning favorites include Gospel singer Xavie Shorts, Soul singer Uncle Chess and Lisa Harris with her Tina Turner Tribute. More acts will be announced closer to the date.
Pre-Party
A Pre-party will be held on Thursday, May 21, at Henry Turner Jr.’s Listening Room, located at 2733 North St., Baton Rouge, La., 70802, from 7 p.m. to midnight. Admission is $30 and includes a Soul Food buffet and a no-host bar.
Enjoy great food from Louisiana and its surrounding southern neighbors, music from local and national touring musicians and more.
