The Music Lover’s Guide to the Greatest Soul Music Festivals

Soul music and black culture go together like peanut butter and jelly. The soul music scene has always highlighted black empowering musicians who emphasize positivity as well as sing stories about society, culture, and emotions.  If you’re a soul music lover, you’ve come to the right place! Below are some of the most spectacular soul music festivals where this genre is entertaining fans and proving its timeless awesomeness.

 

Essence Festival, New Orleans, Louisiana, US

One of the most remarkable urban music festivals in the United States, this is definitely an event you should include on your bucket list. Held every year around the Fourth of July weekend, Essence gathers tons of amazing artists who mesmerize the audience with their talent and brilliance. From renowned performers to icons in the making, eager soul music enthusiasts will be able to watch and listen to a number of exciting shows. Past headliners include Brandy, Xscape, Diana Ross, Mary Mary, Solange, Mary J. Blige, and John Legend. With so much mastery going on, Essence is a perfect occasion to celebrate black excellence, empowerment, art, as well as enjoy a dynamic marketplace and the Beauty and Style expo.

 

Jazz in the Gardens Music Festival, Miami Gardens, Florida, US

How can you say no to a flawless lineup of top-shelf musicians such as Betty Wright, Mary J. Blige, The Roots, Maxwell, Morris Day and the Time, The Isley Brothers, Will Downing, Toni Braxton, Andrea Day, Lauryn Hill, Esperanza Spalding, Erykah Badu, Chante Moore, Jill Scott, Robin Thicke, and R. Kelly? These are only a few of the names that treated the attendees in recent years. Get yourself ready for the warm Miami spring weather, superb culture, toothsome food, and scenic beaches. Soul on!

Long Beach Jazz Festival, Long Beach, California, US

Imagine yourself savoring some soulful live music in the beautiful California city of Long Beach, feeling the breeze of the Pacific Ocean. Yes, that’s exactly what Long Beach Jazz Festival has been all about for over 30 years. Past line-ups featured artists like Rachelle Ferrell, Chrisette Michele, Stephanie Mills, and many others. Don’t let the name fool you. There’s a lot more than jazz going on at this festival.

Austin Urban Music Festival, Austin, Texas, US

Who hasn’t hear about Austin’s delightful plethora of live music events? Well, Urban Music Festival is undoubtedly one of the most enchanting of them all! Every edition, the audience is treated to a star-studded list of fabulous performances like Blackstreet, LeToya Luckett, Lalah Hathaway, The Whispers, Tony Toni Tone, and Keith Sweat.

Capital Jazz Fest, Washington, D.C., US

Do names like Johnny Gill, Fourplay, Morris Day and The Time, En Vogue, Anthony Hamilton, Eric Benet, Will Downing, India.Arie ring any bells? These are some artists who celebrated soul music’s unique vibe at Capital Jazz Fest. This festival takes place during the summer in our capitol. It has run for 25 years and continues to grow with a great mix of jazz and soul.

Annual Soul Beach Music Festival, Aruba

What’s better than soul music+heavenly Aruba? You will be treated to more than soul music at the annual Soul Beach Music Festival. Beach parties, comedy shows, and more are part of the experience. Past performers include Usher, Mary J Blige, Cedrick The Entertainer, The Roots, and more.

So make your next vacation soulful and head to one of these great soul music festivals!