Entertainment

Sam Smith brings soulful sound to Oracle Arena

Published

8 years ago

September 4, 2018

Photo by Noah Graham

Oakland, CA – Sam Smith’s “Thrill Of It All Tour” made it’s way to Oracle Arena. Smith’s voice brings out an old soulful sound with his falsetto vocals. If you close your eyes, one might think they’re in a church listening to a solo act that definitely deserves a standing ovation.

Rising from a trapdoor centre stage, dressed in a simple yet stylish black suit with a simple white t-shirt sitting in chair. Smith belts out “Burning” acapella from his second album. Then he rises and gets the the crowd participation with I’m Not the Only One. The sold out crowd sang the song lyric for lyric.

Smith thanked the fans about being back in the Bay Area and shared a touching story that had to do with the inspiration behind his stage.

“I’m my happiest to be in the Bay Area,” said Smith. “During time off, I spent my time here in (San Francisco). While trying to decide on what the stage will look like I started listening to my music and realized how depressing it is. So, let’s have fun and leave our sadness and depression at the door.”

Kind words that describe each of his two albums that of past relationships. While that music may seem sad, Smith’s voice brings about a pure joy and redemption that many can relate. Smith’s next song was his very first, “Lay Me Down” then he followed with a gospel song (“I Sing Because I’m Happy”) “His Eye Are On The Sparrow”. A particular favorite to describe no matter how tough life gets God is always watching you.

During a short break Smith’s band played an instrumental medley that capped off a unique moving triangular stage. Unlike most performers this stage seemed like something out of a movie. Shaped like three large icicles to a point, when it opened up, I swear a Batman logo was going to appear next.

The next few songs got the fans on their feet when Smith sang “Nirvana”, “I’ve Told You” and “Writing’s on the Wall”. “Baby You Make Me Crazy” allowed his backup singers as he refers to as his friends came center stage to sing solo and the crowd went crazy for each one.

His most recent hit and a fan favorite “Too Good At Goodbyes” closed out the show, but Smith returned for an encore singing “Palace”, “Stay With Me” and “Pray”. At the ripe age of 26 Smith has had two successful albums and continues to bring a soulful sound to every city he travels. This concert is a must see.

Oakland Post

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21st Annual Taste of Soul: California’s Largest Black Street Festival Comes Alive With Culture, Music and Connections

The 21st annual Taste of Soul Family Festival drew over 300,000 attendees to South Los Angeles for a massive celebration of Black culture, food, and music. Spanning the Crenshaw Boulevard corridor, the free event featured roughly 350 vendors, offering everything from Southern cuisine to professional health services and job recruitment opportunities. While headlining musical acts performed across three stages, the festival also served as a vital platform for small business entrepreneurs to reach a vast audience. Organizers are now addressing reports regarding several incidents that occurred during the festivities. Read more.

Published

5 hours ago

November 3, 2026

Post News Group

INSIDE Danny Bakewell Sr. (left) and Pamela Bakewell (right), longtime community leaders and organizers of the Taste of Soul Family Festival in Los Angeles.

The 21st annual Taste of Soul Family Festival brought hundreds of thousands to Crenshaw Boulevard in South Los Angeles on Oct. 17 for food, music and a celebration of Black culture. Visitors could shop with small businesses, enjoy live music performances, speak with health professionals and learn about job opportunities.

Presented by Bakewell Media and the Los Angeles Sentinel, the free festival stretched along the corridor from Stocker Street to Obama Boulevard. The Sentinel estimated attendance at more than 300,000. The day also marked founder Danny J. Bakewell Sr.’s 80th birthday.

“We call it a party with a purpose,” Pam Bakewell, the founder’s sister and a longtime festival organizer, told California Black Media (CBM).

The enticing aromas of barbecue, fried chicken and catfish filled the air as food vendors served up a tempting array of Southern favorites, including cobbler and other desserts. Vendors also offered clothing, jewelry, books and beauty products. About 350 vendors and sponsors participated, including approximately 80 food vendors, Bakewell said. Businesses came from across Southern California and as far away as Chicago and Atlanta.

“In one day, an entrepreneur has the opportunity to showcase their business to hundreds of thousands of people,” Danny J. Bakewell Jr., president of the Sentinel.

Chase offered vendors training in marketing and financial management, followed by a reception.

Experienced vendors also helped newcomers. Pam Bakewell cited Cobbler King, a longtime participant who shares lessons from his early festivals about preparing for crowds and building a business.

“We want everybody to be successful,” she said. “We can’t guarantee that, but we give you the crowd.”

Kaiser Permanente served as the festival’s main medical provider. St. John’s Community Health sponsored Children’s World, where children played games while families received preventive care and information about follow-up services.

St. John’s provided flu shots, fluoride treatments for children and clinic sign-ups for physical examinations. It also reported distributing more than 10,400 bags of diapers.

CBM hosted a booth as part of its California Black Health Journalism Project, a yearlong, solutions-oriented reporting initiative to advance health equity for Black Californians.

Dr. Deidra Beckles, who practices family and internal medicine, and Adriana Westby-Trent, Ph.D., a licensed clinical psychologist, held “Ask the Doc” conversations. Both are with Divinely Restored Health & Wellness. The booth drew steady traffic as they answered attendees’ health questions. Visitors received a “Your Wellness Matters” T-shirt.

The Sentinel promoted a developing jobs platform, inviting attendees to post resumes and connect with employers. Bakewell said about 350 people signed up along the boulevard.

Three stages offered music for different generations. The Bakewell Media Sounds of the Soul Stage featured Thelma Houston, Switch and headliner Midnight Star. Tony Cornelius, son of “Soul Train” creator Don Cornelius, introduced Midnight Star and appeared with eight veteran dancers from the television show.

The Radio Free KJLH Music Stage featured Lucky Daye, Alex Isley, Allen Stone and Terisa Griffin. On the Brenda Marsh-Mitchell Gospel Stage, MAJOR. served as host and performer. The lineup included Deitrick Haddon, local choirs and a youth performing arts ensemble.

During the festivities, ABC7 reported two stabbings and an hours long Los Angeles Police Department citywide tactical alert.

Pam Bakewell said police told organizers the incidents occurred outside the festival boundaries. She said organizers are reviewing safety measures with security personnel and police.