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Did You Miss Flavor Fest? Watch The Recap Video & More Here

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7 years ago

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Flavor Fest is an annual Urban Leadership Conference in Tampa Florida which is hosted by the founder, Tommy “Urban D” Kyllonen.  Tommy is an artist, producer and the Pastor of “Crossover Church”. He hs been hosting this conference for well over 5 years at CrossOver Church.  Every year is like a family reunion and is packed with information for Urban Leaders.  This year, Flavor Fest returned in full force!  If you missed everything this past weekend, you missed a lot! …and unfortunately, it won’t return until 2020. But, we’ve got you! Watch the full official recap below to get a peek at what you missed. Then, scroll down for a list of headliners, speakers and workshops.

 

As you can see in the video recap, Crossover church had a major revamp in it’s look this year! The stage and full venue was lit. This year’s headliners came ready! All of the featured speakers gave knowlege that not only equipped artists, but also artists and entrepreneurs looking to grow in their craft and business.

The headlining artists included KB, 1KPhew, Sicily Styles, Bizzle, KJ52, Roy Tosh, Richie Righteous, and Zauntee! The Beat Battle was presented by the Atlanta team “Trackstarz”. Speakers included Jackie Hill Perry, KB, Montell Jordan, Larry Acosta, Eric Mason, Vanessa Cruz, Tommy “Urban D” Kyllonen, and many more. Visit the newly revamped Flavor Fest website for the full listing.

This year’s workshops included:

-World Impact Church Planting

-Music and Business

-Purpose Driven Church

-Urban Youth Workers institute

-Theology and Culture

-Crossover’s Sauce

-Entrepreneurship

 

MORE ABOUT FLAVOR FEST:

Flavor Fest exists to empower urban leaders by providing training, resources, networking, and community. Each general session and workshop at the conference give attendees the skills, techniques, and guidance on how to better spread the gospel and build their churches and ministries in the urban context. There is intentional time built in for community, fun, and connection with other attendees and Crossover leaders and volunteers throughout the weekend. It is like a big family reunion! Ministry is challenging, and in the city, it has added layers of complexity. Flavor Fest is a conference where church leaders, artists, pastors, church planters, and entrepreneurs are equipped with practical tools and inspiration to overcome ministry obstacles.

Throwback Testimonials:

Flavor Fest has been going strong for years and as you can see from the official recap from this year’s conference, they are only getting better!  For those who are new to this conference, take a look at this throwback video to see how attendees have been being impacted for well over 5 years!

The next conference will not take place until 2020, so be sure to lock in on your calendar this time! Until then, visit www.FlavorFest.com to learn more about the conference. Also remember, you don’t have to wait until 2020 to get a taste of the ministry. Consider making a visit to Crossover Church the next time you’re in Tampa to hear the conference founder, Tommy “Urban D” Kyllonen speak. Trust us, you’ll be glad you stopped by.

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Tamara Young-McCoy is the founder of ArtSoul Konnect Entertainment Media, home to ArtSoulRadio.com, and a Radio Host/Journalist whose work has appeared in Ebony, Jet, Blavity, and other publications. With a background in TV, film, and digital media, she is dedicated to bridging faith, culture, and entertainment through storytelling and media innovation. She is passionate about mentoring young creatives, amplifying diverse voices, and advancing the Christian music industry while expanding its mainstream reach. Follow her on social media or learn more at www.tamarayoungmccoy.com.

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Culture

NEW MUSIC: Jonathan McReynolds & Jamal Roberts Deliver a Soulful Moment with “Still”

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2 weeks ago

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August 30, 2025

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Chicago was the backdrop for a moment you couldn’t script any better: GRAMMY®, Dove, and Stellar Award-winning powerhouse Jonathan McReynolds linking arms with American Idol Season 23 winner Jamal Roberts to deliver a live ballad that hits straight to the soul. Their new single, “Still,” isn’t just another worship record—it’s a reminder that God’s love is the one thing that doesn’t shift when life does.

Recorded live in McReynolds’ hometown, the song is lifted from his forthcoming project Closer—an album already carrying heavy anticipation. What unfolds in “Still” is classic Jonathan: heartfelt storytelling, layered with rich theology, now elevated by Roberts’ fresh, unshaken voice.

👉 Watch the live performance here.

Legacy Meets New Fire 🔥

Jonathan McReynolds has carved out a lane few can touch—an artist who makes Gospel feel as real as your group chat confessions. His catalog has always balanced honesty and worship, bringing Sunday morning depth into everyday playlists.

Enter Jamal Roberts: the new voice America fell in love with on American Idol. His win wasn’t just about vocal ability—it was about heart, authenticity, and the kind of presence that feels rare. Pairing him with McReynolds doesn’t just make sense; it feels prophetic. It’s the kind of intergenerational link-up that keeps Gospel fresh while honoring its roots.

The Vibe

With “Still,” Jonathan McReynolds and Jamal Roberts don’t just give us another Gospel single—they give us a soundtrack for resilience. It’s raw, it’s soulful, and it’s proof that the future of faith-based music is in good hands. Expect this one to be on repeat long after the Stellars.

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Culture

ArtSoul Radio & Actor Empowerment Summit Host Sneak Peek of BET+ Series Churchy with KevOnStage at XL Film Fest

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4 weeks ago

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August 15, 2025

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Chicago, IL — August 17, 2025 – ArtSoul Radio is teaming up with the XL Film Festival, The Actor Empowerment Summit, and BET+ to bring fans an exclusive sneak peek of KevOnStage’s hit comedy series Churchy. This one-night event will feature a special panel conversation with KevOnStage and the full cast, moderated by Chicago’s own Christal Luster, along with an advance screening of highlights from Season 2.

A First Look at Churchy Season 2

Fans will get a behind-the-scenes look at Season 2 of Churchy ahead of its official August 21 premiere on BET+. Kevin “KevOnStage” Fredericks returns as Pastor Corey Carr Jr., navigating church leadership, unexpected debts, and laugh-out-loud moments with his eccentric team. The new season promises fresh surprises with appearances by Tabitha Brown, Kirk Franklin, Lecrae, Keith Lee, Tony Baker, and many more.

Chicago Exclusive – Then Available for ArtSoul Radio Community Members

Chicago, IL — August 17, 2025 – ArtSoul Radio is teaming up with the XL Film Festival, The Actor Empowerment Summit, and BET+ to bring fans an exclusive sneak peek of KevOnStage’s hit comedy series Churchy. This one-night event will feature a special panel conversation with KevOnStage and the full cast, moderated by Chicago’s own Christal Luster, along with an advance screening of highlights from Season 2.

A First Look at Churchy Season 2

Fans will get a behind-the-scenes look at Season 2 of Churchy ahead of its official August 21 premiere on BET+. Kevin “KevOnStage” Fredericks returns as Pastor Corey Carr Jr., navigating church leadership, unexpected debts, and laugh-out-loud moments with his eccentric team. The new season promises fresh surprises with appearances by Tabitha Brown, Kirk Franklin, Lecrae, Keith Lee, Tony Baker, and many more.

Chicago Exclusive – Then Available for ArtSoul Radio Community Members

For those in Chicago, the August 17th event offers a one-of-a-kind opportunity to engage live with KevOnStage and his cast. Can’t make it in person? Join the ArtSoul Radio community to gain exclusive access to the full panel replay after the event.

Click here to sign up and stay connected. Community members will be the first to receive:

  • A private link to the full panel replay
  • Behind-the-scenes clips and highlights
  • Special giveaways tied to Churchy Season 2

Why This Event Matters

Partnering with XL Film Fest and The Actor Empowerment Summit to bring this BET+ collaboration to Chicago is more than entertainment—it’s a cultural moment for faith-based media. It reflects the growth of Christian creatives in film, comedy, and storytelling while highlighting Chicago as a hub for innovative cultural conversations.

About Churchy

After debuting as one of the most-watched scripted comedies on BET+, Churchy quickly built a loyal fan base. Season 2 expands the storylines, bringing new characters, guest stars, and bigger laughs—all while spotlighting themes of faith, community, and resilience. Produced by KevOnStage Studios alongside industry leaders and executive producers like LeBron James and Maverick Carter (SpringHill), the show continues to elevate digital-first creators onto global platforms.

ArtSoul Radio teams up with XL Film Fest, the Empowerment Actor Summit & BET+ for an exclusive Chicago screening and panel of KevOnStage’s “Churchy” Season 2.

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Culture

Holy Smoke! Festival 2025 Kicks Off This Week in Nashville — Full Guide, Lineup, Schedule, & How to Tap In

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1 month ago

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August 11, 2025

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Holy Smoke! Festival returns to Rocketown (Nashville, TN) this week for three days of Christian hip-hop, alternative faith-based music, community, and culture—plus a free industry conference and pop-up market. Running August 14–16, the 2025 edition features Indie Tribe and a stacked roster of special guests. Holy Smoke!

Fast Facts

  • Dates: August 14–16, 2025
  • Venue: Rocketown, 601 4th Ave S, Nashville, TN 37210
  • Ticket Types: 2-Day GA (Fri/Sat) and VIP (3-day access + VIP perks)
  • What’s New/Notable: Free Indie Institute conference, an outdoor Holy Smoke! Market, VIP party with a cypher/listening session, and Meet & Greet access. Holy Smoke!+1rocketown.org

The Lineup

Headlined by Indie Tribe — nobigdyl., Jon Keith, Mogli the Iceburg, Torey D’Shaun, and DJ Mykael V — Holy Smoke! also features WHATUPRG, Alex Jean, Aha Gazelle, West Indies (Miles Minnick & Jon Keith), Zauntee, Briana Shanae, gio., Sarah Juers, Taylor Hill, Bodywash, and Josh P. Expect surprises, collabs, and a DJ Mykael V super set. RapzillaHoly Culture

What’s Happening Each Day

Thursday (VIP Only)

  • VIP Party with a cypher, special guest performances, and an exclusive Indie Tribe listening party. (VIP ticket includes 3-day access.) Holy Smoke!

Friday

  • Indie Institute (FREE) — the festival’s industry conference (RSVP required).
    Time: 1:00–3:00 PM • Location: Rocketown
    Expect panels with “heavy hitters” covering artistry, business, marketing, and more. (RSVP is free; you don’t need a festival ticket to attend.) Holy Smoke!X (formerly Twitter)
  • VIP Meet & Greet + Early Entry
    VIP Doors: 3:15–4:30 PM • GA Doors: 4:30 PM
  • Main Stage: 5:00–9:30 PM. Holy Smoke!

Saturday

  • Holy Smoke! Market (OUTSIDE): 12:30–8:00 PM — pop-ups, merch, and community.
  • VIP Doors: 1:00 PM • GA Doors: 1:30 PM
  • Main Stage: 2:00–9:30 PM.
  • VIP Inner Circle: Note the Native Stage opens early for VIP (limited capacity) and a 2:45 PM Main-stage Meet & Greet. Holy Smoke!+1

Tickets & VIP Perks

  • 2-Day GA: Access Friday + Saturday festival programming.
  • VIP: 3-day access, Thursday VIP party (cypher/listening session + special guests), early entry both days, and Indie Tribe Meet & Greet. Prices are tiered and may change; rain-or-shine; no refunds.

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