The Baton Rouge Soul Food Festival is returning for a seventh year and moving to a new location.
The Main Library at Goodwood, 7711 Goodwood Blvd., will host the fest from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, May 18-19. The family-friendly event is free.
The festival features blues, soul, R&B, gospel and Christian music, along with a vendor’s village, a judged soul food cooking contest and pioneer award for contributions to the soul food industry.
Entrants are now being accepted for the cooking competition, which highlights regional favorites from Louisiana, Texas, Mississippi, Alabama, Georgia and Florida. Categories include meats; vegetable and side dishes; breads and desserts; appetizers and soups; and beverages and ices. Judging criteria covers presentation, taste and the story or 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; $30 for walk-ups, if slots are available. Contestants are required to bring enough food for six people the day of their judging. First, second and third place prizes will be awarded in each category. Downloadable forms and additional instructions are available at brsoulfoodfest.com.
For more information, call (225) 802-9681 or visit the website.
The pioneer award for contributions to the soul food industry will be announced closer to the date. Past winners include Joe Delpit, owner of the Chicken Shack; Cynthia Green, Owen’s Grocery and Market; Ricky and Kawanda Griffin, Lizzie’s Restaurant, Miss Dee, of D’s Southern Soul Café and Sean “I.B. Hood” Huey.
The stage lineup is expected to include Henry Turner Jr. & Flavor and the Listening Room All-stars Ervin “Maestro” Foster, Jim Masters Foster, Kelton ‘Nspire Harper, Pastor Leon Hitchens, Kevin White, poet Sir AP, comedian Eddie “Cool” Deemer, Owen Scott, Xavie Shorts, Princess Teha, country singer Susie Shepard and Joe Tex II, among others. More acts will be announced closer to the date.
The festival pre-party is set for 7 p.m. to midnight Thursday, May 16, at Henry Turner Jr.’s Listening Room, 2733 North St. Admission is $30 and includes a soul food buffet and no-host bar.