The 5th Annual Baton Rouge Soul Food Festival will be held May 14 and 15 at Riverfront Plaza. The family friendly event is free to the public. It features blues, soul, R&B, gospel and Christian music, along with a Vendor’s Village, judged soul food cooking contest and Pioneer Award. Lawn seating so bring your chairs. VIP tickets that include food, soft drinks, photo ops and a reserved seating area are $25.00 per person. VIP tickets for two that include T-shirts, a free CD of “Now” by headliner Henry Turner Jr. & Flavor and additional perks are $100.00. For more information call 225-802-9681 or visit www.brsoulfoodfest.com. The stage lineup is expected to include Henry Turner Jr. & Flavor and the Listening Room All-stars Larry “LZ” Dillon, Kelton ‘Nspire Harper, poet Sir AP, Pastor Leon Hitchens, Owen Scott and Xavie Shorts, among others. Additional acts will be announced closer to the date. The Soul Food Cooking Competition, highlighting regional favorites from Louisiana, Texas, Mississippi, Alabama, Georgia and Florida include Meats, Vegetable and Side Dishes, Breads and Desserts, Appetizers and Soups, Beverage and Ices. Criteria includes Presentation, Taste, and the Story or History behind each dish. Ten entrants in each category will be pre-selected by the Soul Food screening committee. Upon acceptance the entry fee is $20.00, $30.00 for walk-ups, if slots are available. Contestants need to bring enough food for six people the day of their judging. First, second and third place prizes will be awarded in each category. Downloadable forms and additional instructions are available on the website. Vendor slots are also available. The Pioneer Award for contributions to the Soul Food industry will be announced closer to the date.