FA-MLI founder and CEO Torrence Brannon-Reese took the Wave Stage at today’s 19th annual Taste of Soul festival, performing at noon on the same stage where he appeared last year.
Father-Daughter Musical Moment
The performance featured a special family milestone as Torrence’s daughter Felicia earned her own solo set at 11 AM, performing directly before her father. After collaborating with him last year, Felicia’s breakthrough into her own festival slot represents a significant achievement in the competitive festival circuit.
“There’s a lot of artists in the city who want to get into that festival, and for her to be able to pull that off is monumental,” Brannon-Reese said. “I’m really proud of her getting that done.”
Community Artist in Action
Brannon-Reese’s Taste of Soul appearance follows his recent performance at the Dulan’s Soul Food Kitchen fundraiser, where he helped support the beloved Crenshaw restaurant facing financial difficulties. The Wave Stage performance demonstrates his ongoing commitment to using his musical platform for community engagement.
This performance comes during an active period for FA-MLI, which recently established the Malcolm X Corridor along Crenshaw Boulevard and continues to operate youth programs including “See a Man, Be a Man” at BALA, serving approximately 30 students with a focus on eighth graders preparing for high school.
Arts and Organizing
The Taste of Soul festival, now in its 19th year, has grown from 15,000 initial attendees to hundreds of thousands, serving as both a cultural celebration and community organizing platform. Brannon-Reese’s participation reflects FA-MLI’s approach of integrating artistic expression with community activism.
As FA-MLI prepares for its upcoming 13th Annual I’ve Known Rivers Film Festival in December, today’s performance showcased how the organization continues to expand its reach from grassroots organizing to major cultural events.
FA-MLI, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization founded in 1992.
