Celebrating Soul

The Soulsville USA Festival aims to capture the spirit of soul music within Memphis and the surrounding area. Local artists, bands, and organizations provided the majority of the featured talent. The festival had a variety of food trucks and other exhibitors selling baked goods, jewelry, apparel, self-care products, and other handcrafted items in addition to the music. There truly is something for everyone no matter the age.

Tonya Dyson, six teenage interns, and a neighborhood advisory group established the festival in 2015. The festival began as a desire to honor the Soulsville area and its rich musical tradition, as well as to create a major neighborhood event dedicated to a celebration of Memphis' black culture.

During a time of significant civil discord in the South, black and white musicians joined together to jam at STAX Recording Studios, breaking down social barriers and inspiring the world to groove together.

One of the festival's objectives is to educate Memphis residents about people who have contributed to the city's spiritual heritage and to introduce them to those who are contributing to its future. So, in addition to the great list of musicians, Knowledge Quest, a South Memphis organization, will present a variety of interactive and educational activities, as well as games for kids of all ages, at the family-friendly festival.

Instruments, clothing, and other personal belongings from some of the most well-known musicians associated with Stax Records and offshoot companies such as Volt Records are among the displays. Come on in and enjoy the performances!