Stone Soul Festival returns Sept. 2

By G. Michael Dobbs

Managing Editor

SPRINGFIELD An end-of-summer tradition is coming back to the city for the 17th time.

The Hampden Bank Stone Soul Festival will take place at Blunt Park from Sept. 2 through 4.

The free event will feature music, rides and games as well as the chance for families and friends to get together. There will be also a health fair presented by Baystate Medical Center.

Other features include :

Annual historical presentation by the 54th Regiment Infantry;

"Soul Train" for children and families to take a scenic ride throughout the park;

Arts and crafts vendors at various locations selling jewelry, clothing and other specialty items;

and a variety of great food ranging from french fries and cotton candy to BBQ ribs and soul food dinners.

Music plays an important role at the festival and this year the highlights include the Boston-based group, The Motown Revue and the powerful voices of Women of Faith from St. John's Congregational Church.

The following is the schedule of events for this year's festival:

Sept. 2

6- 10: p.m. Free outdoor concert

7 p.m. The Just Us Band Popular R&B music

8 p.m. Prime Time Players Classic Soul and R&B music

9 p.m. The Motown Revue Boston-based band playing classic Motown hits of the Four Tops, Supremes, Temptations & more

Sept. 3

Noon. Baystate Medical Center Health Fair providing free screenings along with health-related information

2 p.m. Rhode Island Thunder Drum Corps & Drill Team. There are 65 members and it is their first performance in Springfield.

3 p.m. Brian Baker's Round 1 Cardio

4 p.m. Arcade Marketing Talent Search; cash prize

5 p.m. The Tyie Thomas Center for Performing Arts creative dance and artistic showcase

6 p.m. Women of Faith will perform uplifting gospel music from St. John's Congregational Church.

7 p.m. Jeff Majors A Comcast TVOne Special Presentation National recording artist, harpist, and host of The Gospel of Music.

8 p.m. Oz Mix Blues music

9 p.m. Storm Blues music

Sept. 4

10 a.m Praise in the Park Tent Service with Rev. Zachary Reynolds

10 a.m. Stone Soul Annual Picnic: pack up your picnic baskets, coolers, family, friends, and plan to spend the day.

2 p.m. Gospel Program: a variety of live gospel music and special performances throughout the day.

4 p.m. Community Service Awards presented to outstanding individuals and organizations.

The festival is made possible through the sponsorship provided by Hampden Bank, Baystate Medical Center, Comcast, Kentucky Fried Chicken/A&W Rootbeer, Northern Educational Services, Springfield Health & Human Services, Springfield Parks & Recreation Dept., T-Mobile, Urban League of Springfield and the Western Massachusetts Electric Company.