Oakland Art and Soul Festival

Oakland’s magnetic Art + Soul festival, celebrating local spirit, style, creativity, and pride, takes place August 19 + 20 from Noon-6pm. The 17th annual assemblage of world artists that call Oakland home will bring together the people of America’s most diverse and culturally exciting city to honor its rich musical heritage.

The two-day festival will kick off Saturday with sizzling soul and R&B singer/songwriter Goapele, Grammy-nominated, “rock-any-party” duo Los Rakas, and next-generation rap sensation Adrian Marcel. On Sunday, the high-energy lineup continues with certified Gold recording artist Angie Stone (back by popular demand after drawing one of the festival’s largest ever audiences with her 2007 appearance) and the fast-ascending pop/rock charisma of Sydney Nycole. John Brothers Piano Company, Grand Avenue Soul, gospel standout Tasha Page-Lockhart, and Stoney B Blues Band will also be featured in the festival’s eclectic lineup of more than 40 artists on four stages. Check out the full lineup at: http://artandsouloakland.com/lineup.htm

The ever-evolving festival fuses new activities and annual favorites, this year including:
• The ever-popular artisan marketplace offering hand-made goods ranging from clothing and housewares to artisanal
soaps and unique art objects.
• A tempting array of food booths reflecting the myriad cultures that make Oakland and America great.
• An eclectic world/urban dance stage featuring some of the hottest urban and ethnic dance troupes performing hip
hop, modern, afro-fusion, jazz and more, presented by Oakland’s Dance-a-Vision.
• Yak to the Bay (a.k.a. Yak Films) returns with another high-flying, must-see Turf Dance Battle.
• The largest Family Fun Zone of any festival in the Bay Area with kiddie rides, carnival games and interactive arts.
● Aerialists, contortionists and acrobats mesmerize at the standing-room-only Kinetic Arts Circus Stage.
• New activities this year include an interactive public mural painting project with Art Murmur where festival-goers
can create a collective work celebrating Oakland spirit and pride.

Art + Soul Oakland 2017 is Northern California’s most accessible festival with direct service via both BART’s 12th Street City Center station and AC Transit, in addition to $5 parking in the adjacent City Center West Garage, 12th Street at Martin Luther King Jr., Way.

Art + Soul Oakland 2017 takes place in downtown Oakland on Saturday, August 19 and Sunday, August 20, from noon to 6 p.m., centered in Frank H. Ogawa Plaza, encompassing 10 strollable city blocks.

ADMISSION: $12 adults - $7 seniors (65+) and youth (ages 13-17); children 12 & under enjoy free admission

Tens of thousands are expected for the popular two-day event, now in its 17th year, packed with sensational music, food, fun, dance and art in beautiful downtown Oakland. Blues, R&B, Soul, Funk, Gospel, Rock, Latin, Turf and Urban/World Dance will take place on four stages.