Soul Fest coming back to Ridge Ferry Park

Soul Fest is returning to Ridge Ferry Park this year — and will benefit the literacy and youth programs at the Kelsey-Aycock-Burrell Center.

This year’s headliner is GAPX — The Band, and attendees can expect a full day of soul music and family fun featuring a variety of bands.

The event will be held at Ridge Ferry Park on July 29 from 2 to 10 p.m.

GAPX — The Band will headline with top hits such as “You Dropped a Bomb on Me,” “Outstanding,” “Burn Rubber on Me,” “Party Train” and “Yearning for Love.”

Several artists are lined-up to perform at the festival including Christian rap singer, Dan-I, the classic Motown sounds of Mikey Jones and Just 3, and a great selection of legendary songs performed by the Michael & Prince Experience.

“Everyone is invited to support a wonderful cause and get treated to an amazing summertime celebration of music,” says City Commissioner and event organizer Bill Collins. “This is the second annual fundraiser for the Kelsey-AycockBurrell Center, whose mission is to do great things for families in Rome.”

The fundraiser benefits the nonprofit center which has programs for community youth including: literacy programs, health and wellness checks, youth camps, youth scholarships and robotics classes.

New this year is a bike and car show, which will run from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. leading up to the concert. A variety of food trucks and vendors will be on-site.

Advance purchase tickets are available for youth ages 3-12 for $10 and adults $20; tickets purchased at the gate are $15 for youth and $25 for adults. Tickets are available at three locations including Collins Clean Up, 15 W. 10th St., Bubba’s Barber Shop, 409 Kingston Ave., and Kroger at 1476 Turner McCall Blvd. Purchase tickets online at www.freshtix.com.

Attendees are encouraged to bring chairs and blankets for lawn seating.