South Arkansas Soul Fest returns in April
It’s time to bring out the lawn chairs and coolers for an evening of live blues and southern soul music.
The 23rd annual South Arkansas Soul Fest, presented by Mr. Mike’s Productions, is set for April 27 at the Union County Fairgrounds, 1430 E. 19th.
Gates open at 3 p.m. and the shows starts at 5 p.m.
Led by Avail Hollywood, who is known as the “King of Grown (Folks’) Music, the Soul Fest talent roster is jam-packed with some of the most well-known names on the blues, southern soul and R&B circuit.
Performers include F.P.J., Marcellus Da Singer, Karen Wolfe, Donnie Ray, Royal D, Leroy Jermaine, Blues Boy Bo, PC Band, Kae Divine and more.
The show will be hosted by 2 Legit and DJ Banks and will feature DJ Big Daddy and DJ Godfather.
Several of the performers have headlined Mr. Mike’s Productions over the years and have been a proven draw among blues and southern soul fans.
Michael Jackson, of Mr. Mike’s Productions, said he was worked over the years to grow Soul Fest and other outdoor shows that he produces each year, including the Southern Soul Showdown in the summer and The Last Dance in the fall.
Soul Fest was typically held in late May or early June but in recent years, Jackson scheduled the show earlier in the spring, opening the opportunity to add The Last Dance to his production lineup and to meet requests to host another outdoor show “before it gets too cold.”
“I’ve got so many artists that I deal with and that I want to bring (to El Dorado) but it’s hard to do when you have a limited number of shows,” Jackson said.
“I used to do two (Soul Fest and Southern Soul Showdown) and moving up Soul Fest helped me to squeeze in more shows and kind of space them out,” he continued.
Jackson said he has also added more artists to Soul Fest — which has prompted an increase in ticket prices.
Soul Fest has become one of the most highly anticipated entertainment events in the region, drawing hundreds of people to the Union County Fairgrounds each year.
Several months ago, Southern Living Magazine mentioned El Dorado and Soul Fest, among other local events and attractions — the Mayhaw Festival, May on Main, Summer on the Square and MusicFest — in a story about the “15 Best Weekend Getaways in Arkansas.”
Jackson said ticket sales have “been rolling” for the Soul Fest 2024.
“I’m looking forward to putting on another good one,” he said.
Early-bird tickets went on sale a couple of weeks ago at $30 and increased to $35 on Monday.
Ticket prices will remain at $35 until early April.
The cost will then increase to $40 in advance and $50 at the gate.
VIP tickets range between $75 and $100.
Attendees are encouraged to bring their lawn chairs and they may bring coolers at a cost of $5 per cooler.
There will also be food and other vendors onsite.
Tickets may be purchased at Mr. Mike’s Music and Artwork in El Dorado, Special Touch in Camden, Golden Firls in Warren, Record Rack in Pine Bluff, Golden Lady in Texarkana and Kenny’s Place in Arcadia, Louisiana.
Tickets are also available online at www.eventbrite.com and Cash App at $SoulFest23.
Proceeds from the show will go toward Jackson’s nonprofit organization, Brothers Making Changes, which mentors teen and young adult males.
For more information, call Jackson at 870-866-7441.