As summer winds down, WLOK FM 105/AM 1340 is gearing up for two of its most anticipated community events: the 49th annual Stone Soul Picnic and the 8th annual Black Film Festival.
Both events, deeply rooted in the Memphis community, highlight the rich cultural heritage and artistic contributions of Black artists, offering entertainment and inspiration for all.
Stone Soul Picnic: A Day of Gospel and Community
The Stone Soul Picnic, a nearly half-century-old tradition, will take place on Saturday, August 31, from 12 p.m. to 7 p.m. at The Coronet, 5770 Shelby Oaks Drive.
This year’s event promises a powerful lineup of gospel greats, headlined by the award-winning Canton Spirituals, who have pioneered the fusion of traditional gospel with modern R&B. Other performers include Deborah Barnes, Cedric King & Restoration, The Echoaires, and many more, ensuring a day filled with soul-stirring music.
Here’s the full musical lineup:
12:05 p.m. – Deborah Barnes,
12:20 p.m. – Memphis Youth Arts Initiative
12:35 p.m. – Memphis Baptist Ministerial Chorus
1:00 p.m. – Cedric King & Restoration
1:25 p.m. – Tamara Knox
1:45 p.m. – The Mellowtones
2:15 p.m. – Patrick Hollis & United
2:40 p.m. – Vincent Tharp & Kenosis
3:15 p.m. – Roney Strong & the Strong Family
3:50 p.m. – Josh Bracy & Power Anointed
4:25 p.m. – The Sensational Wells Brothers
5:00 p.m. – The Echoaires
5:35 p.m. – The Canton Spirituals
The event is free and open to the public, offering not just music but a family-friendly atmosphere complete with giveaways, kids’ activities, and a variety of food trucks.
“The WLOK Stone Soul Picnic is more than just a concert; it’s a tribute to music-loving Memphians and their unwavering support for WLOK, the city’s first Black-owned radio station,” said Dorrit Gilliam of The Gilliam Foundation, the event’s sponsor.
Black Film Festival: Celebrating Black Excellence in Cinema
Following the Stone Soul Picnic, WLOK continues its celebration of Black culture with the 8th annual Black Film Festival, a five-day event beginning Wednesday, September 18.
The festival kicks off at the STAX Museum with WLOK’s New Filmmakers’ Production, showcasing short films by local filmmakers, and continues with screenings of critically acclaimed films featuring prominent Black artists.
Highlights of the festival include a Bob Marley evening at the Pink Palace Museum on Thursday, September 19, a screening of “Respect” starring Jennifer Hudson as Aretha Franklin on Friday, September 20, and classics like “The Bucket List” and “The Great Debaters,” starring Denzel Washington, over the weekend.
“The purpose of the Black Film Festival is to showcase a broad spectrum of quality Black films that are both entertaining and culturally enriching,” Dorrit Gilliam said in a statement. “This festival also gives emerging black filmmakers a chance to showcase their films and it encourages appreciation of black films and black artists in the film industry.”
Tickets for the Black Film Festival are available at WLOK Radio, with prices ranging from $5 to $10, depending on the event. The festival offers an opportunity to enjoy films that resonate with the Black experience, while also supporting local talent and stories.
These two events underscore WLOK’s commitment to celebrating and preserving the rich cultural fabric of Memphis.
Whether through the stirring gospel music at the Stone Soul Picnic or the inspiring films at the Black Film Festival, WLOK continues to be a pillar of the Memphis community, bringing people together through the power of art and faith.
For more information on both events, visit WLOK’s website or contact Dorrit Gilliam at 901-527-9565.
