Bessie Smith Heritage Festival highlight neo-soul, jazz - Aug. 10-11

THE PERFORMERSKindred the Family SoulFronted by the husband-and-wife team of Fatin Dantzler and Aja Graydon, Kindred performs a mix of R&B, soul and neo-soul.Stokley WilliamsWilliams was the lead singer for Mint Condition and was featured on Kelly Price's "Not My Daddy," which earned him a Grammy nomination in 2011.Olamide FaisonHis full name is Olamide Aladejobi Patrick Alexander Faison, and he is perhaps best known as Miles Robinson on "Sesame Street." He is also the lead singer and guitar player with Imajin.Olamide FaisonHis full name is Olamide Aladejobi Patrick Alexander Faison, and he is perhaps best known as Miles Robinson on “Sesame Street.” He is also the lead singer and guitar player with Imajin.Tawanna ShaunteHer Mississippi Delta roots come through in her music as does a deep love for traditional gospel.OgyaLed by Kofi Mawuko playing African drums, this local group specializes in world music.Joe JohnsonHis music bridges the gap between traditional jazz, hip-hop and R&B.Eric EssixHis latest CD, Evolution, was released in April.Michael WardWard grew up a fan of jazz and early on signed up to learn to play piano, only to learn he'd have to pick a stringed instrument. He chose the violin and has made a career of it since.