Taste of Soul Festival Returns to Crenshaw Boulevard
The 21st annual festival in South Los Angeles showcased live musical performances and celebrated iconic soul music history.
Updated on Oct. 22, 2026 in R&B
Live Poll
Do you believe large-scale community festivals effectively strengthen local bonds and neighborhood pride in your area?
The 21st annual Taste of Soul Family Festival took over Crenshaw Boulevard in South Los Angeles on Saturday. Attendees enjoyed performances from artists including Thelma Houston, Switch, and Midnight Star on the Bakewell Media Sounds of the Soul Stage.
Why it matters
The festival serves as a major cultural pillar in South Los Angeles, bringing together residents for a celebration of R&B heritage and local community spirit. It provides a platform for both legendary acts and contemporary performers to connect directly with the public.
The festival marked its 21st annual iteration this year. The event featured appearances by eight veteran Soul Train dancers who performed throughout the day.
The players
Thelma Houston
She is a legendary soul singer who celebrated the 50th anniversary of her signature hit song.
Karen Bass
She is the current Mayor of Los Angeles who attended the festival festivities.
Marqueece Harris-Dawson
He is the Los Angeles City Council President who participated in the community event.
Brothers Igniting a Groove
This musical group formed in 2002 and performed as part of the festival lineup.
Midnight Star
They are a prominent musical group that performed on the Bakewell Media Sounds of the Soul Stage.
The details
The celebration included a career milestone for Thelma Houston, who marked the 50th anniversary of her hit song 'Don't Leave Me This Way'. Alongside her performance of 'Love Is the Power', the festival hosted various acts such as Rob McDonald & Friends and Brothers Igniting a Groove.
Timeline
The 21st Annual Taste of Soul Festival occurred on October 17, 2026.
Thelma Houston released her hit song Don't Leave Me in 1976.
Brothers Igniting a Groove formed with nine members in 2002.
Industry Dynamics
The festival highlights how legacy R&B acts and iconic performance styles continue to anchor large-scale cultural events. By integrating historical performance groups like veteran Soul Train dancers, the festival bridges the gap between classic soul heritage and modern community engagement.
The festival provided free public access to live performances by major R&B artists on Crenshaw Boulevard. Residents were able to engage directly with city leadership and experience historical music programming in an outdoor community environment.
The takeaway
The Taste of Soul Festival continues to prove that live music remains a vital mechanism for preserving cultural history in Los Angeles. Residents should look for upcoming local performances to support the legacy artists who remain active in the R&B scene.
What happens next
Thelma Houston is expected to release a new EP in the coming months.
Further reading
For more on the musical heritage of the region, explore the Los Angeles R&B section.
Live Poll
Do you believe large-scale community festivals effectively strengthen local bonds and neighborhood pride in your area?
