Atlanta Soul Life Music Festival

I had the opportunity to cover The Atlanta Soul Life Music Festival during my Memorial Day weekend in Atlanta, GA. If you are a connoisseur of Neo-Soul and R&B music, this was the place to be.

This two-day festival took place on the scenic grounds of Wolf Creek Amphitheater located at 3025 Merk Rd SW, College Park, GA 30349. It attracted a two-day sold-out crowd of music lovers from all over the United States. I was super excited to hear that three-time returning festival performers and fan-favorites Anthony David, Avery*Sunshine, and Eric Roberson would be performing this year. Every single one of the performers did an exceptional job, what a euphoric experience! The grounds exuded a beautiful sense of unity among music lovers. You were allowed to bring your own food and drinks, so it felt like a huger family reunion because everyone was sharing with each other and just having a great time. If you didn’t make it out this year, here is what you missed.

Day 1: Saturday, May 26th

Hosted by the hilarious JJ Williamson and the music was by Atlanta’s own, DJ Daddy Dre that had the crowd rocking all night.

The line up in order:
Grammy-nominated artist, Anthony David
Grammy-nominated singer, Raheem DeVaughn
Grammy-nominated artist, Eric Benét
The twelve-time Grammy-nominated songstress, Ledisi

Day 2: Sunday, May 27th

Hosted by the hilarious JJ Williamson and the music was once again by DJ Daddy Dre.

The line up in order:
The Grammy-nominated crooner, Eric Roberson
Multi-award winning songstress Avery*Sunshine
Grammy-nominated Will Downing
Five-time Grammy Award-Winning artist, Lalah Hathaway

HEADLINER BIOS

Ledisi
Soulful singer/songwriter and New Orleans native, Ledisi, is a celebrated R&B recording artist who caught the attention of Verve Music Group in 2007, while recording her third album, Lost & Found. The album earned her two Grammy award nominations, including “Best New Artist” in 2008. The songstress released her latest album, Let Love Rule, a compilation of soul-stirring, genre blended music fused together both contemporary and traditional R&B last year.

Eric Benet
From barefoot dreadlocked troubadour to suave standard-bearer for contemporary R&B. Eric Benét may have changed his look, but one thing has remained consistent: his dedication to crafting authentic music that engages the soul. His almost 25 years of being in the industry include some dabbling in acting (For Your Love TV series, Glitter, and Half & Half) and eight albums.

Lalah Hathaway
Born to Donny Hathaway, one of the most influential soul artists, and Eulaulah Hathaway, an accomplished musician in her own right, the Chicago native first put pen to paper, “with the music,” as a 10th grader. Later, as a student at Berklee College of Music, she recorded her self-titled debut in 1990, which spawned the hits “Baby Don’t Cry,” “Heaven Only Knows” and “I’m Coming Back.” Decades later, the singer continues to push the envelope through illustrious collaborations and disrupting the norm with her music creation. She released her latest project, Honestly, last November.

Will Downing
Downing has undoubtedly put in his time! Before signing with Island Records in the ’80s, he received his first national exposure as a much sought-after backing vocalist. He recorded two albums with modest success, domestically, before his self-titled Will Downing release spawned a major hit in the U.K. with a Top Ten charting cover of “A Love Supreme” catapulting the album to platinum sales there. Downing’s big stateside breakout album was his 1991 A Dream Fulfilled which showcased his distinctive baritone vocals. He has continued to feed his fan base a constant flow of great new music with his latest being the 2017 Soul Survivor.

Naomi V

Naomi is a stylish, adventurous traveler.  She’s a bit of a daredevil that loves excursions. Those that know her, call her a shoe connoisseur. She is also obsessed with music and has a playlist for just about any mood. She’s a foodie that loves a good vegetarian/vegan spot. Want to know where she is headed next… stay tuned to find out!