Vail Soul Music Fest set to return Aug. 19-21

The Vail Soul Music Fest returns Aug. 19-21 with a diverse schedule of events. Held in Vail, the festival includes concerts by top-name performers, a special Youth Day mentoring experiential program, Soul Strolls through the streets of Vail Village, a Merchandise Expo, and much more.

Event organizers have designed the festival with the goal of preserving the historical message of the Soul Music art form. By offering different ways for attendees to make a connection to the genre, the organizers hope to elevate the awareness of soul music, and actively participate in the rebirth of soul music.

The line-up of this year's performers will be announced later in May, and is reported to be a continuation of the high caliber of last year's featured artists. The performances will be held at the world-renowned Gerald Ford Amphitheater in Vail as well as in smaller venues and outdoor settings throughout Vail Village.

The second day of the Vail Soul Music Fest will feature a Youth Day Program. Designed as an experiential mentoring program, middle school students will be brought to Vail from the Denver Metro area to experience the culture of the music with a mountainous backdrop. The concept that Soul Music is considered to be an essential part of every American's history will be conveyed through workshops with the performing artists, encouraging the youth to create their own stories and have time for reflection and guidance.

Completing the schedule of events will be the Soul Stroll and the Merchandise Expo, ongoing through the three day festival. Soul Strolls will combine music, food and drink at designated establishments in the Vail Village. Different restaurants will offer food and drink specials along with performances by musicians in small, intimate settings. The Merchandise Expo will allow people to explore and purchase handmade and culturally representative items as they attend the Soul Stroll and the Ford Amphitheatre concerts.

Ticket packages are available for the entire Vail Soul Music Fest that include lodging, or can be purchased ala carte through www.vailsoulmusicfest.com. The official hotel for the festival is the Vail Cascade Resort (www.vailcascade.com); other partners include Bol and the Sonnenalp Resort with more to be announced. Last year's Soul Music Fest hosted a close-to-capacity attendance of 2,000. This year is anticipated to sell out-attendees are encouraged to purchase their tickets now.

Vail Soul Music Fest is far more than a music concert event-it is "the ultimate soul experience." Vail Soul Music Fest celebrates the heart of Soul Music with top musicians, empowerment events and cultural activities over three days and two nights of performances by some of the greatest Rhythm & Blues (R&B), conscious Hip Hop, Alternative Rock, Blues and Neo Soul artists from around the world.

As Colorado's first-ever soul music event, the Vail Soul Music Fest focuses on the preservation of traditional soul music while also cultivation the growth and exposure of new independent soul artists. The event is held each summer in Vail in both outside and inside venues. Including a dine-around, youth seminars and a merchandise expo in addition to multiple musical performances, the Vail Soul Music Fest strives to preserve the genre through illuminating the storytelling aspect of the full soul experience.

Information on the event can be found at www.vailsoulmusicfest.com. Tickets can be purchased by calling 1-888-920-2787