Art + Soul Oakland Festival is an annual music festival held in Downtown Oakland, California.
Art and Soul was the recipient of the East Bay Express Best Music Festival Readers' Poll Award in 2014 and 2015.
2015
Saturday, August 1 and Sunday, August 2, from Noon to 6:00 p.m.- This is the 15th Anniversary!
The event kicks off Saturday with the return of the Blues & BBQ Blowout featuring the 2nd Annual Oaktown Throwdown BBQ Competition.
The incomparable Sheila E. headlines an all-star Oakland lineup that also includes The Family Stone, Lenny Williams, West Coast Blues Society Caravan of Allstars and Edwin Hawkins’ Gospel Showcase.
Elevate Oakland, a local nonprofit that supports music in the schools, will host a dynamic stage featuring Kev Choice, Martin Luther, 34-56 Band, Ray Obiedo with Leah Tysse, Pacific Soul, Ashling “Biscuit” Cole, D Sharp and Ryan Nicole.
Dance shows: YAK to the Bay’s high-flying Turf & All Styles Dance Battle, the Oakland! Let’s Dance Stage produced by Carla Service of Oakland’s Dance-A-Vision, and a special performance by the renowned, Oakland-based vertical dance company BANDALOOP.
Also on Saturday, Art + Soul Oakland continues its annual tradition of hosting a live Gospel Showcase, presented by famed Edwin Hawkins and the Community of Unity.
Admission is just $12 for Adults; $7 for Seniors (65 and older) and Youth (ages 13-17). Children 12 & under enjoy free admission. For more information, please visit www.ArtandSoulOakland.com.
2014
14th Annual Art + Soul Oakland Saturday and Sunday August 2-3, Downtown Oakland
Noon-6, $10 admission. 65+, kids under 12 free. youth 13-17 $7.
The City of Oakland's venerable Art + Soul festival - now entering its 14th year showcasing the best of the East Bay
Saturday will feature Blues & BBQ Blowout with top pitmasters from all over California competing for cash prizes blends.
Sunday will feature a Funk & Latin Dance Party with old school favorites Lakeside, Rose Royce and Dazz Band plus 2014 Grammy® winners Pacific Mambo Orchestra.
Other events: a Hot Rod & Vintage Car Show, return of YAK to the Bay Turf Dance Battle, National Poetry Slam preview and a not-to-be-missed performance by world-renowned aerial dance troupe BANDALOOP.
Info: ArtandSoulOakland.com
2014 Oaktown Throwdown BBQ Competition Winners (For complete contest results, click here)
- Grand Champion: Ric's Righteous Ribs, San Jose
- Reserve Champion: Too Ashamed To Name, San Jose
- Backyard Overall: Captain Kev's Competition Cookers, Oakland
- Best Dessert: Butcher's Daughter BBQ, Alameda
- People's Choice: Bad S. BBQ, Sunnyvale
In the news:
- Art + Soul serves up everything Oakland, SF Chronicle, August 2
- Art & Soul Fest Stays True to East Bay Roots, East Bay Express, July 30
Art&Soul_2014_Sunday from KTOP TV10 on Vimeo.
2013
This year the 13th Annual Art + Soul Festival is on Saturday, August 3, 2013 from 12:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. and Sunday, August 4, 2013 from 12:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
The 13th Annual Art + Soul Oakland Festival will feature four stages of live music with R&B, Rock, Blues, Jazz and Indie sounds along with diverse food offerings and myriad family activities including kid-friendly carnival rides. There will be hundreds of artisan booths; gourmet global cuisine and mobile food trucks.
Tickets remain a great value at the same prices as 2012.
Advance Online (beginning in July): $10 adults, $5 seniors (65+) & youth (13-17), 12 & under free.
At Gate: $15 adults, $8 seniors & youth, 12 & under free.
Entertainment lineup:
Saturday:
Lisa Loeb, Tristan Prettyman, The Rescues, Los Rakas and Vintage Trouble.
Sunday:
Oakland-based Amikaeyla and ConFunkShun join Soul/R&B powerhouse Leela James; Bay Area Blues Society’s Caravan of All Stars; Oakland’s own John Murry and the “Sunday Afternoon Gospel Hour” produced by Terrance Kelly and hosted by City Councilmember Lynette Gibson McElhaney
Location
Art & Soul 2012 by Jarios
Additional Links
- 13th Annual Art + Soul Oakland Festival official website
In the News
- SFGate Slideshow, Aug 5, 2013.
