Soul Fest
March 3-4, 2012

The history of African Americans in the United States is a proud one. Despite the means by which they originally arrived here and the hardships they endured for centuries afterward, they have managed to prevail over adversity. As one of the oldest nationalities in the U.S., African Americans have made priceless contributions in the fields of science, medicine, law, business, education, politics, the culinary arts and fine arts, sports, entertainment (especially films and music) and every other field there is.

Nowhere is this history and heritage more in evidence than in New Orleans where the oldest community of "Free People of Color" in America is located: the now well-known neighborhood of Treme. Notable African Americans from New Orleans have taken their places among the pioneers in their various fields, including musicians and entertainers like Louis "Satchmo" Armstrong and Mahalia Jackson.

Every year this great history and heritage is celebrated during Soul Fest at the Audubon Zoo. This year over 20,000 visitors are expected to converge upon the zoo for the 9th Annual Soul Fest over the weekend of March 3-4, according to the latest estimates. Steadily growing in popularity, Soul Fest is a celebration of African American history, food, music, crafts and culture. Especially soul food and soul music!

The two-day, family-oriented event features live musical performances by local Jazz, Rhythm & Blues, and Gospel artists on the Capital One Stage. This year's festival will be highlighted by an African American First tribute. A distinguished list of Black History makers are set to be honored as African American Firsts including Natalie Robottom, D. Mjeeda Snead, Dr. Charles Teamer and South Coast Paper.

Visitors will enjoy authentic soul food prepared by local restaurants and caterers, and in addition to our exciting collection of exotic animals, kids will enjoy hands-on activities at the Kids' Cultural Tent. Visitors of all ages will also receive free wellness information from local health organizations.

Soul Fest is presented by WellCare. Soul Fest Entertainment Sponsor and African American First Sponsor is Walmart. Soul Fest Contributing sponsors are Black McDonald's Operators The Bardell Company and Coaxum Enterprises.

Begun in the early 2000s, recent Soul Fests have presented such talented artists as trumpeter extraordinaire Irvin Mayfield, gospel great Yolanda Adams, the Hot 8 and Rebirth Brass Bands and a number of uniquely New Orleans Mardi Gras Indian Big Chiefs. Local artisans showcase their original handmade crafts such as jewelry, art, stationery, frames and more, all of which are available for purchase. Restaurants and caterers specializing in Creole cuisine and authentic soul food offer such tasty dishes as smothered pork chops with greens, fried Louisiana alligator kabob, Jamaican chicken with vegetables, pork chop po-boys, hot sausage po-boys, turkey legs, sweet potato pies and other delicious treats.

As of February 1, the lineup of musicians had not been announced. More details will be posted as they become available.

Festival hours on both days are from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is free with paid general admission to the zoo. Audubon Institute members are admitted free.

For more information on Soul Fest visit their website at www.auduboninstitute.org.