12 p.m. to 10 p.m.
The unofficial ending of summer begins with the official return of Soul of the City to Rosa Parks Circle over Labor Day weekend. After its 2006 hiatus, this free 2 day event responds powerful as ever with over 30 artists spanning such genres as Jazz, Gospel, R&B, Hip Hop, and of course, Soul. Yet this event’s name refers to more than just the soul genre.
Director and promoter of Soul of the City Monica Sparks says, “this event will have a health and wellness theme that also provides people with information and resources that promote a healthy life.” A unique twist to this theme includes a community hustle, where the audience Cupids, Shuffles, and Wobbles for health and wellness.
Soul of the City responds to the call of Blues on the Mall by carrying the rhythmic momentum into the fall. Sparks says, “we need these activities that are culturally sensitive.” She believes such events are vital to the Grand Rapids community because they attract visitors and boosts the growth of the community both culturally and economically.
Funkilinium headlines Friday night. This new millennium funk (Funkilinium) explores the smooth, melodic form of R&B while mixing in driving funk grooves, powerful rock jams, and clean, soft ballads. Jon B. of Troop, a Grammy nominated R&B singer/songwriter, headlines Saturday night. Jon B. blends R&B, Soul, and Hip Hop that masterfully balances intensity with clean rhythms, all the while creating an environment to dance or relax.
So why such a diverse set of musical genres? Sparks explains, “We have a wide range of people that live here in Grand Rapids, and we should celebrate everybody and celebrate diversity.”
Food vendors will provide traditional soul food such as bean pies, fried chicken, and sweet potatoes.
Soul of the City takes place from 12pm-10pm both Friday (September 2nd) and Saturday (September 3rd) at Rosa Parks Circle. An After Glow Party takes place at Mosaic Space.
*The Set List*
Friday, September 2nd
12:05: Carmelita N. Young
12:20: The Untouchables
1:00: 5 Miles More
2:00: Hannaniah & The Boys
3:15: 3 of a Kind
3:30: Rico
3:45: Jeri Wade and Hot Point
5:10: Sprout Diggy
5:30: R & R
6:00: Karanji & Soul Water
7:00: Stephanie Sally
8:00: Boss Ruff
8:10: Yolanda Lavender
8:30: C. Kid & DJ FWB
9:00: Funkalinium
Saturday, September 3rd
12:00- Carmelita N. Young
12:27- Kamaria Tilley
12:40- Mary Dailey
1:00- Chase Stancle
1:20- Charles Cooperwood
1:40- Radical Anointed Worship
2:00- Uptown Praise Band
2:30- Majestic Praise
3:00- Donte Young
3:25- Fashion Show
3:45- Kid Christ Di Low & Heavenly Peoples (Holy Hip Hop GR)
4:00- Nate Glasper & I Live 2 Praize
4:30- UVOW United Voices of Worship
5:00- R&R
5:15- Praise Dancers
5:30- Beacon Light
6:00- Kenya
7:30- Khadijah, Cayanne (Kristinna Jackson) Keyz of Life(Daniel Keys)
8:05- The Untouchables
8:25- Stephanie Sally
9:00- Jon B.
Comments, like all content, are held to The Rapidian standards of civility and open identity as outlined in our Terms of Use and Values Statement. We reserve the right to remove any content that does not hold to these standards.
