The sweet flaky crust of the peach cobbler dripped with its syrupy favorable contents and yellow carton of tangy chicken drummets from Crenshaw favorite Wing Stop are just an appetite of the what the second annual ‘Taste of Soul” will bring to the world renowned Crenshaw Blvd. on Saturday Oct. 13.

Swerving and high hopping low riders, upscale cars and motorcycle clubs will all take a back seat on a day when an estimated 50,000 will flock to the famous Crenshaw Blvd. for a day of food, music and fun for everyone.

With a record number of 150 vendors in tow to serve their thousands of patrons and songstress Angie Stone headlining a music mix that ranges from soul, R&B to gospel, ‘Taste of Soul’ is being awaited on with abated breath from people from as far as the Inland Empire to as close as the historically African American West Los Angeles.

The “Shaw” as it is affectionately known to the millions who drive it, walk it and talk about it will be transformed into a mega block party befitting on the region of its constituents who frequent here.

“I couldn’t make it last year, but everybody I know has been talking about it for the last year and this time I will not miss it for anything in the world,” said 32-year old Los Angeles County worker Michelle Gipson.

Whether it’s a sweet tooth indulgence or hearty meat yearning for the taste buds, an entertaining cooking demonstration for the eye, snazzy rhythmic vocals and beats of urban music for the ear, fabrics of traditional African garments for touch and not forgetting the multitude of scents from incense to food, there is sure to be something for everyone’s liking.

The boulevard’s usual steady flow and hum of busy traffic that is too often broken up by piercing police sirens, will be put to rest—at least for one day—when Crenshaw is shut down from King to Rodeo on Oct. 13 from 10am-6pm.

This year brings newcomers like Chef Marilyn Cole of Soul Food Express, which is known for traditional dishes with a Louisiana twist such as jambalaya, smothered steak and baked chicken; and Sean Allen of Cake Buzz, whose liqueur-flavored desserts are sure to be a favorite. Also new to the Taste of Soul scene, as well as Crenshaw Blvd, is the Wing Stop, which opened just this January and serves up a treat of scrumptious lemon pepper, garlic parmesan and mild wings among others.

Returning to much delight will be comedian Anthony Brown, as well as TV Chef G. Garvin (“Turn Up the Heat”) who will be entertaining crowds with live cooking demonstrations. Artists like Angie Stone, who last year wooed crowds with her hit “Brotha,” and Polyester Players will hit the stage again.

The Los Angeles Sentinel and V100 invite all from the Crenshaw district and surrounding areas to come out and enjoy a true African American experience during Taste of Soul.

Published in : Entertainment, News