Art + Soul Oakland returns to Frank Ogawa Plaza on Saturday July 23, 2022 with a festive, free 20th Anniversary celebration featuring the world-premiere of “Blues, Baroque, and Bars: From the Streets to the Symphony,” a new musical suite from legendary vocalist The Dynamic Miss Faye Carol. This powerful new work reimagines traditional blues to tell the story of Black Americans’ journey from Africa, to the American South, through the Great Migration.
“We are beyond thrilled to be back in downtown Oakland,” said Samee Roberts, Art + Soul Oakland’s executive producer. “The community has signaled that it can’t wait to celebrate our 20th anniversary after a two-year delay. We are so proud to host the world-premiere of this stellar arts commission, and excited to again bring great music, food, artisans, and family fun to our home in Frank Ogawa Plaza.”
Rounding out the Plaza Stage will be Oakland native and classically-trained pianist, emcee, composer and bandleader Kev Choice; multi-talented rapper/singer/songwriter and Oakland treasure Jonah Melvon; and three-time Grammy nominees, Oakland’s own Alphabet Rockers. Popular Bay Area emcee, radio personality, event producer, and community activist Sterling James returns to host the Plaza Stage program.
The Clay Street Stage will be headlined by the West Coast Blues Society Caravan of All Stars and also feature emerging Gospel artists Pastor Bo Jackson and Sounds of Life, Tamara Edwards, and JaCoree Prothro and The Crew; Future Rising: Oakland Public Conservatory of Music Alum and Faculty; and a participatory Community Dance Party led by the one and only Carla Service, founder of Oakland’s Dance-A-Vision Entertainment.
Art + Soul Oakland 2022 takes place in downtown Oakland Saturday, July 23, 2022 from noon to 6 p.m., centered in and immediately surrounding Frank H. Ogawa Plaza, 14th and Broadway. Admission is free for all ages. It is accessible with direct service via both BART’s 12th Street City Center station and AC Transit (info: 511.org). $10 parking is available in the adjacent City Center West Garage located on 12th Street at Martin Luther King Jr., Way.
