By Katherine Jarvis - Oakland Tribune - 7/24/09
Grammy-award winning singer Shawn Colvin, BoDeans (pictured), Bobby Caldwell and Will Downing headline the main stage for the ninth annual Art and Soul Oakland festival Aug. 15-16.
The festival, which was moved up three weeks this year because of the Bay Bridge closure Labor Day weekend, when it is usually scheduled, covers 10 city blocks around City Center and Frank Ogawa Plaza.
On Aug. 15, Colvin, BoDeans and The Stabe Wilson Band will perform on the main stage. Mo'Fone will headline at Yoshi's Jazz stage. The Local Voices Stage will feature Fado singer Ramana Vieira. The Plaza stage will feature children's music and family entertainment, including Abby and the Pipsqueaks, and Jumpstreet. The Gospel Stage will include many choirs, including Edwin Hawkins and Bishop Walter L. Hawkins and the Community in Praise Mass Choir.
On Aug. 16, the main stage will feature Downing and Caldwell. There will be the R&B Reunion stage, where Zakiya Hooker will headline. Chino Espinoza y Los Dueños Del Son will headline the Latin Stage. The Plaza stage will be open Sunday to world dance, including a tribute to Michael Jackson. The tribute will include dancers from "So You Think You Could Dance" and "America's Best Dance Crew."
In addition to music, there will artisan and vendor booths. There will also be the Family Fun Zone with kiddie rides and children's entertainment.
Tickets are $10 per day for adults, $5 per day for seniors, disabled and youths 13-17, and free for those 12 and under. For more information, call 510-444-2489 or visit www.artandsouloakland.com.