LOVE the poet
The second annual Capital Hip Hop Soul Fest takes place Saturday, July 25 at 11am in Washington DC's Marvin Gaye Park. The all-day outdoors festival features hip-hop and soul performances from local and national recording artists, vendors and activities for the whole family. This year, the festival welcomes three locally-based nationally recognized celebrities who will host the two performance stages in this year's festival.
The hosts of the Capital Hip Hop Soul Fest's outdoors main stage this year are hip-hop rock artist Head-Roc and Def Poetry Jam poet Bassey Ikpi. Head-Roc, a musical icon in Washington DC known for his political activism through his music in the vein of such musical greats as Bob Marley and John Lennon will host the main stage for the early part of the festival before renowned poet Bassey Ikpi hosts from 3pm to the festival's end. Head-Roc will perform at the event as well with his band GODISHEUS. Performers on the main stage include Bomani Armah, Substantial, noon:30 and Teisha Marie.
Baltimore-based poet Michelle "LOVE" Nelson will host the Crystal Lounge stage which will be located inside of the Riverside Center which is located on the park's fringe. The Riverside Center is the building that was once called the Crystal Lounge-- the first club soul legend Marvin Gaye ever performed in. Gaye grew up in the Deanwood area in Washington DC where the festival is located.
The Capital Hip Hop Soul Fest is a free event and located in Washington DC's east of the river area. Call 202-285-4529 for more information. Visit www.CapitalHipHopSoulFest.com for a full list of performers.
