Pete Escovedo, John Santos, CAKE, and more ---

An impressive list of musical stars that call or have called Oakland home will perform at the 10th Anniversary Art & Soul Oakland Festival. Scheduled for Saturday, August 21, and Sunday, August 22, in Oakland’s downtown, Art & Soul will deliver non-stop, home-grown music sure to please every musical taste. Thanks to its stellar musical talent, free parking, easy BART access and an admission price of just $10 per day, Art & Soul has been named the

Bay Area’s “best cultural event” by Oakland Magazine and “Best Festival” by East Bay Express.

Saturday’s Oakland Jams Stage will feature a wide variety of music, including local favorite John Santos and his unique Latin jazz. One of the world’s strongest proponents of Afro-Latin music, Santos is a talented performer, composer, teacher and historian for the music. Known for his innovative use of traditional forms and instruments in a contemporary musical setting, he founded the legendary Machete Ensemble, is a four-time Grammy nominee and has been a star of the Bay Area Latin music for more than 35 years.

"Over the years we have featured a broad range of Latin music with this, our 10th Anniversary, focusing on Oakland greats Pete Escovedo and John Santos,” said Samee Roberts, founder and executive producer.

Sunday’s Plaza Stage is all about jazz diversity. Oakland’s beloved Pete Escovedo continues to be a major force in Latin music just as he has since the 1960s. He developed into a world-class percussionist playing jazz, but shot to fame performing with his brother Coke as percussionists for Santana. After leaving Santana, they formed the big band Azteca and recorded two seminal albums. Pete Escovedo helped break down the barriers between Latin Jazz, Smooth Jazz and contemporary music.

The off-beat humor and catchy melodies of CAKE headline Saturday’s show at the Art & Soul Main Stage (in association with KFOG 104.5FM/97.7FM). Always a crowd favorite, CAKE is certain to get festival-goers of all ages and musical tastes on their feet dancing.

Also performing is MC Hammer, who is loved as a flamboyant dancer and showman. A multiple Grammy winner, MC Hammer is the man who brought rap to a mass pop audience. En Vogue will also perform – they are one of the most successful female groups of all time having sold more than 20 million records worldwide.

Last year more than 60,000 people from around the Bay Area enjoyed sensational music, food, fun, dance and art at the festival.

In addition to music and dancing Art & Soul is a great event for families. The festival boasts the largest Family Fun Zone of any festival in the Bay Area, complete with kid’s rides, children’s entertainment and free festival admission for ages 12 and under. There is also a big variety of food reflecting the rich cultural diversity found in Oakland—the most diverse city in America. 

The 10th Anniversary Art & Soul Oakland will happen in downtown Oakland on Saturday, August 21 and Sunday, August 22, 2010 from Noon–6 PM. For more information or tickets, visit www.ArtandSoulOakland.com or call (510) 444-CITY.