Media Contact:
Chimene Grant Connor
cconnor@auduboninstitute.org

Thomas Frese
tfrese@auduboninstitute.org

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 6, 2008

Najee and George Porter Jr & Runnin’ Pardners to headline Soul Fest
Zoo festival moves to March

(New Orleans, LA) – Audubon Zoo’s fifth annual Soul Fest will take place Saturday, March 1^st and Sunday, March 2^nd. This celebration of food, music, and crafts highlights the achievements, heritage and culture of African Americans.

1987 Grammy nominee Najee, will be the headline act on Saturday and New Orleans’ premier bass player George Porter Jr along with his Runnin’ Pardners will be the headline act on Sunday. Other Saturday acts include James Rivers, Shades of Praise and DJ Rob Fresh. Other Sunday acts include The Soul Rebels and Captain Charles.

A health fair will feature screenings for diabetes, blood pressure, breathing capacity, cholesterol, Body Mass Index (BMI), and Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) for men. Other health-related information will be distributed to zoo visitors.

Artisans will be showcasing their handmade arts and crafts. Additionally, Soul Fest will offer delectable Creole cuisine and authentic soul food dishes prepared by native Louisianians. Last year’s food items available for purchase were Jamaican chicken, fried catfish, BBQ ribs, shrimp po-boys, and sweet potato pie. Craft and food vendors are currently being solicited.

Again this year, renowned local artist Richard Thomas will be leading children in arts activities throughout the festival.

Special children’s activities, including dancing, arts and crafts and storytelling, will take place in the specially-designated “Children’s Global Village” area.

Audubon Zoo is located at 6500 Magazine Street in New Orleans. Admission to Soul is included in regular admission, which is $12.50 for adults, $7.50 for children ages 2-12 and $9.50 for seniors 65 years of age and over. Audubon Zoo members are admitted free of charge. Festival hours are 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. No outside food or beverage is allowed at zoo special events and festivals. Commemorative Soul Fest t-shirts and bandanas will be available for purchase. Soul Fest has previously been held in June.

For information on Soul Fest at Audubon Zoo, call 504-581-4629 or visit www.auduboninstitute.org.

Headline artists’ bios can be found at:

Najee – www.najeeonline.com

George Porter Jr – www.georgeporterjr.com