Written by | Ray Cornelius
I had the distinct pleasure Friday night of hosting a Press Meet & Greet for the upcoming ATL Soul Music Festival. The two day event, now in its second year, is held over the Memorial Day Holiday (May 28 & 29) at the Wolf Creek Amphitheater and features some of the hottest R&B/Soul artists in the country.
Ray and Stacey J
This year’s lineup includes Syleena Johnson, The Robert Glasper Experiment, Lalah Hathaway, Eric Roberson, Anthony David, Rahsaan Patterson, Avery*Sunshine, Kindred The Family Soul, Angie Stone and Goapele. My co-host for the evening was Atlanta media personality and “Rickey Smiley Morning Show” producer Stacey J.
Anthony David taking pictures with press
The Press Meet & Greet took place at iWi Fresh Day Spa in the Castleberry Hill district of the city and was attended by a number of area tastemakers, influencers and music enthusiasts including Carlton Hargro and Larmarrous Shirley of SLO MO Magazine.
Vanessa Fraction
The evening also featured entertainment by Chicago comedienne Vanessa Fraction and vocalist D Maurice. Valencia Joseph, Marketing Director for ASPiRE TV, discussed the network’s new media partnership with the Festival as well as its hot lineup of Black Music Month programming. Stacey and I also conducted interviews with D Maurice and 2016 Festival performer Anthony David.
D Maurice performing songs from his new project Mosaic
Dope sounds were provided by DJ Funknatra along with his Prince tribute CDs that were raffled off throughout the night. There was also complimentary eats and wine as well as giveaways from Glow Skin Enhancement. The event was sponsored by ASPiRE TV & UPtv, McDonalds and iWi Fresh Day Spa.
Check out more photos below:
iWi Fresh stands for “It Is What It Is”
JHigh Art
Yolanda Owens, owner of iWi Fresh Day Spa
Stacey J, D Maurice, Vanessa Fraction and Valencia Joseph
JHigh Art featured pieces of Nina Simone, Biggie Smalls and Diana Ross
Book Author Yvonne Pierre and Singer-Songwriter Leaf
Chris Daniels from “The Burton Wire” with Carlton Hargro from “SLO MO”
D Maurice performing
D Maurice‘s new solo project is titled Mosaic
Photo Credits: RayCornelius.com