The Hot Corner Celebration and Soul Food Festival happens on the Hot Corner block of downtown Athens every year during the second weekend of June. This year marks 23 years of fellowship and festivities taking place June 8–10, but the corner’s history of being the heart of Black commerce in Athens extends back more than 100 years.
Held at the intersection of Washington and Hull streets, the festival’s main stage pops up proudly in front of the historic Morton Theatre. Bowers “Pink” Morton built the Morton building in 1910, and it’s credited for bringing a sweep of prosperity to the area. Although the festival has roots in honoring Black business leaders of the past and encouraging those of the present, the joyous event celebrates many layers of Black culture and communion.
Over the festival’s three days are opportunities for worship, live music of various genres, entertainment for children, soul food and even an award ceremony. Everything kicks off Thursday, June 8 with a fundraising concert at The World Famous featuring guitarist Robert Lee Coleman, who is a pioneer of soul and funk, having notably played with Percy Sledge and James Brown’s backing band the JB’s. There’s a $20 suggested donation with music starting at 8:30 p.m., and the performance will be followed by a Grown Folks party with DJ George spinning soul, funk and old school.
On Friday evening from 7–8:30 p.m. a gospel program will take place at First AME Church on Hull Street. Then Saturday the all-day celebrations run from 11 a.m.–10 p.m. outdoors with another Grown Folks after-party with DJ George happening at The World Famous. Throughout the day festival-goers can enjoy local vendors, a car and bike show, a barbecue cook-off, chess and checkers competitions, and a spades competition. On the main stage is a long list of entertainers ranging from gospel singers to dancers, poets, R&B artists, jazz bands, rappers and more.
For many musicians, touching the Hot Corner stage is a source of pride within the Black community. Longtime hip-hop artist and music scene supporter Anthony Taylor, who goes by Ant Da Ripper, describes performing at the festival as a “landmark” opportunity for artists. Taylor explains that for him, as much as it’s a celebration of Black culture it’s also a celebration of the music culture, and it’s wonderful to see the different genres come together for a display of many talents on one stage for the same cause.
“I’ve always taken pride and joy in going to Hot Corner because I’m going to see my people, my family, my friends and the hip-hop community as well,” says Taylor, who is scheduled to perform on Saturday at 7:45 p.m.
Beyond mixing genres, the Hot Corner stage mixes forms of entertainment, and will feature Athens comedian Noell Appling for the first time. In past years comedy has often been missing from the festival lineup. In the larger Athens entertainment scene, comedy is flourishing and can be found at venues all around town on a nearly weekly basis. Appling states that, as an art form, comedy also invites a sense of community.
“It’s all about sharing perspectives. Black history and the arts go hand in hand. Many of the best comedians are Black, and they have a way of being so funny and authentic that you feel like good friends,” says Appling. “Comedy is about bringing people together to laugh, so regardless of your day, your challenges or your opinions there’s a space where people can support each other and enjoy the moment.”
Whether it’s supporting local businesses, finding new resources or learning about the city’s history, there are plenty of opportunities at the Hot Corner Festival to feel closer to the vibrant community it celebrates. For the full schedule of events on Saturday, see below. For any updates or more information, visit facebook.com/HotCornerORG.
WHO: Hot Corner Celebration and Soul Food Festival
WHERE: Downtown Athens
WHEN: Saturday, June 10, 11 a.m.–10 p.m.
HOW MUCH: FREE!
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