Bobby Brown, Angie Stone, Angela Winbush, and the Mary Jane Girls were just some of the artists that served up a hot plate at Saturday, October 13th’s “Taste of Soul” festival in Los Angeles. The free, family-oriented event felt something like a block-party; but with 75,000 strong enjoying food and live music up and down a mile-long stretch of Crenshaw Boulevard between MLK and Rodeo.

After keeping the anxious and skeptical crowd at the main stage in anticipation, a jazzy Bobby Brown showed up to female shrills of all age groups. Flanked by members of The Polyester Players and Mary Jane Girls, Brown provided the day’s uniquely memorable apex, freely pouring his passion to whoever would soak it up.

Grateful for the opportunity to perform, the stage seemed a therapeutic relief for the man. “I’m not all that they’ve said I am; I’m not a thug, I’m an entertainer,” Brown explained. Regardless of the level of returned compassion, Brown entertained with an unabashed virility and profusely thanked his audience for their attention.

The set featured jazzed-out renditions of “Don’t Be Cruel,” “Roni”, and “My Prerogative.” At the bewilderment of the incredibly skilled band, Brown brought “My Prerogative” to a halt then re-worked it into a slow, syrupy groove, once again baring a scarred soul. Over this, Brown began singing the lyrics to Stevie Wonder’s “Superstition,” in poignant, bluesy fashion.

It wasn’t all about pain however, as Brown playfully revisited some of those classic 80s dance moves he made famous, invoking the participation of the 30 and ups. From heartfelt dialogue to childlike excitement, the honest offering led me back to his corner after years of estrangement.

Brown’s emotional whirlwind of a set seemed to come to a premature end as the event’s increasingly nervous organizers crimped Brown’s flow – maybe the powers that were felt he was starting to get a little too comfortable on stage. It left a bitter taste seeing his mic get cut off in mid-sentence as he was promoting his new single. A maturing Bobby Brown took it in stride, though, posing for photos with event coordinators before ducking back into his awaiting limo. A surreal experience indeed.

As the sun faded behind the rooftops along Crenshaw, Angie Stone soothed us into the evening hours with a succulent dab of her new Stax release ‘The Art of Love and War.’ A keystone of the legendary label’s resurrection, Stone feels the album is her “best work ever” – encouraging news for all music lovers. Ms. Stone grand-finale’d the day's events with a triumphant run of “Wish I Didn’t Miss You” that left everyone bouncy, warm and fuzzy; glad to have spent the day with their neighbors and family.

I arrived at the main stage earlier in the afternoon as Soul/R&B goddess Angela Winbush kicked off her set. She’s been in the game for a few seasons now, but Angela Winbush is in prime form. Winbush gifted us a sharp and sensual performance highlighted by an ethereal yet tangible version of “Angel.” The guys in the audience were indeed commanded by Ms. Winbush’s presence, and one very cooperative volunteer was summoned to her immediate dominion, leaving the rest of us envious. It was during Winbush’s performance that I sensed a common ease enveloping my immediate surroundings; like I was at a family reunion.

Representing Los Angeles, or “somewhere along the line of Compton and Watts,” Gary Taylor is a supremely passionate and savvy songsmith. Taylor, who’s produced and written gems for Anita Baker, The Whispers, and Lalah Hathaway, to name a few, treated his neighbors to a tasty gumbo of fan-favorites and new material. Taylor united the audience with the sincerity of “Loving My People,” an ode to neighborhood nostalgia and pride. Check out Gary Taylor at www.myspace.com/garytaylorbohemian.

Next to spark was the sassy, iconic Mary Jane Girls. The MJGs, twirkin’ and shimmying like twenty-year-olds, left the audience in a gleeful haze with performances of the classics “Candy Man,” “In My House,” and “All Night Long,” which was preceded with a kinky intro from Bobby Womack’s “Woman’s Got to Have It” (DJ’s take note: “Woman’s Got to Have It” into “All Night Long” – juicy). The girls continued to lube us up, appropriately paying tribute to their mentor, Rick James, with electric performances of “Mary Jane” and “Give it to Me.”

LA’s Polyester Players kept the slightly up-tight audience loose by injecting a sense of humor to their performance and “paying homage” to soul artists that came before them. The most memorable lick had to be the Players’ buttery cover of “Pass the Peas” that had the crowd jumpin’ like hot grease. Comedian Rodney Perry was featured as a guest dancer on the JB’s joint and had us cringing as he hit the floor with the splits. Visit the Polyester Players online at www.myspace.com/polyesterplayers.

The Polyester Players and DJ Sketch’s set of classics prompted emcee Jeff Gill to encourage all the youngsters “who are even thinking about making music” to go back and listen to the pioneers of the golden age of Soul and R&B. “Listen to how we talked to each other” through song, Gill pleaded.

Seize the day when next year’s TOS rolls around; and hope the organizers haven’t decided to start charging admission for this tasty, musical event. So go while it’s still free, and don’t be too cool to enjoy a good old-fashioned corporate-sponsored block party.