Audubon Zoo Hosts 15th Annual Soul Fest

Thousands of locals are set to converge upon Audubon Zoo Saturday, March 9, and Sunday, March 10, for the 15th annual Soul Fest, one of New Orleans biggest celebrations of African-American culture.

On Saturday, March 9, the family fun begins with performances by the Lusher Charter School Jazz Band and the Royal Boys Choir. These performers will be joined by other jazz, rhythm and blues, and gospel artists including Tara Alexander, Erica Falls, and Elements of New Orleans Band. Shamarr Allen will close out the day’s festivities.

On Sunday, March 10, Soul Fest will feature special headliner: Partners-N-Crime with the Big Easy Band, one of New Orleans’ hottest hip-hop bands.

Partners-N-Crime with the Big Easy Band will close out the festive weekend at the Capital One Bank Stage with a performance that showcases their full-fledged hip-hop jazz and funk sound that has been thrilling their fans for more than 25 years.

Other performers on Sunday will include Jesse McBride, Mecca Soul Band, Gina Brown, and The New Orleans Mystics as Soul Fest highlights musicians of all genres.

Guests will be able to purchase soul food prepared by local restaurants and caterers and enjoy a stroll through the world-class Audubon Zoo.

Festival-goers can also visit with representatives of local health, education, and social service organizations to receive valuable wellness and lifestyle information.

“This event has truly become a staple in our local community; bringing together people from every walk of life to celebrate the African-American culture,” said Soul Fest coordinator Eileen Lumar-Johnson. “It’s indeed a celebration of a vibrant past; yet also a time for Audubon Nature Institute to remind our guests of our responsibility to conserve animal species for future generations,” said Lumar-Johnson.

Soul Fest is included with Zoo admission and complimentary for Audubon Members.

No outside food, beverage, or tents are allowed. Portable folding chairs and blankets are welcomed.

Soul Fest is presented by AARP, sponsored in part by Atmos Energy, and supported by The Bardell Company and Marathon Petroleum LP.

For more information on Soul Fest, click HERE.

2019 Soul Fest performance schedule:

Saturday, March 9

(Stage announcements by Kelder Summers; DJ duties by DJ Niecy)

10:45 a.m. Lusher High School Jazz Band

11:35 a.m. Royal Boys Choir

12:40 p.m. Tara Alexander

1:45 p.m. Erica Falls

2:50 p.m. Elements of New Orleans Band

3:55 p.m. Shamarr Allen

Sunday, March 10

(Stage announcements by Kelder Summers; DJ duties by DJ Captain Charles)

10:45 a.m. Lusher High School Jazz Band

11:35 a.m. Jesse McBride

12:40 p.m. Mecca Soul Band

1:45 p.m. Gina Brown

2:50 p.m. The New Orleans Mystics

3:55 p.m. Partners N Crime with The Big Easy Band