A Classic R&B Weekend Heads to Central Florida
Central Florida is preparing for a soulful celebration as Joe headlines the 6th Annual Star 94.5 Heart & Soul Music Festival, happening Saturday, October 10, 2026, at the Apopka Amphitheater in Apopka, Florida.
The festival brings together generations of R&B, soul, funk and hip-hop for an afternoon and evening centered on music, culture and community. Joining Joe are Keke Wyatt, Case, Con Funk Shun and Meli’sa Morgan, with hip-hop legend Chubb Rock making his first festival appearance as host and performer.
For longtime R&B lovers, this lineup feels like a live soundtrack filled with familiar songs, memories and voices that helped shape multiple eras of Black music.
Joe Returns to the Spotlight
Joe arrives in Florida following his highly talked-about August 20 VERZUZ appearance opposite Donell Jones. The performance reminded audiences why Joe has maintained such staying power throughout a career spanning more than three decades.
From the romantic “I Wanna Know” to “All the Things (Your Man Won’t Do),” “Don’t Wanna Be a Player,” “Stutter,” “Good Girls” and “All That I Am,” his catalog remains instantly recognizable.
The VERZUZ appearance also delivered a surprise when 50 Cent joined Joe onstage for “Wanna Get to Know You” and “Big Rich Town,” known to millions as the original theme from the television series Power.
Now, festival audiences will get something VERZUZ couldn’t provide: an opportunity to hear more of Joe’s extensive catalog during a complete concert performance.
One Stage, Generations of Music
The Heart & Soul lineup celebrates artists whose music continues to resonate.
Keke Wyatt brings the vocal power and range that have made her a standout contemporary R&B performer, while Case reconnects audiences with favorites including “Touch Me, Tease Me,” “Happily Ever After” and “Missing You.”
Legendary group Con Funk Shun brings funk and soul history to the stage with records including “Love’s Train,” “Ffun” and “Chase Me.” Meli’sa Morgan adds another layer of classic soul, representing an era of sophisticated R&B that continues to influence music today.
And then there is Chubb Rock. Known for the hip-hop classic “Treat ’Em Right,” the veteran entertainer will host and perform, bringing personality, humor and old-school hip-hop energy throughout the festivities.
Six Reasons This Festival Stands Out
- Joe performs a full headlining concert following his VERZUZ appearance.
- Multiple generations of R&B come together on one stage.
- Classic funk and soul are represented by Con Funk Shun and Meli’sa Morgan.
- Chubb Rock adds hip-hop to the festival experience.
- Food, retail and community vendors expand the celebration beyond music.
- Festival proceeds support youth-focused initiatives in Central Florida.
Music With Community Impact
What makes Heart & Soul particularly noteworthy is its mission beyond entertainment.
Since launching in 2020, the event has developed into a celebration incorporating Black music, culture, entrepreneurship and community engagement. Thousands of attendees from Florida and neighboring states have gathered for performances alongside local food vendors, retail exhibitors, community organizations and health resources.
For 2026, organizers are also introducing a giant video wall/JumboTron in the General Admission area, designed to give guests a closer view of the stage.
A portion of festival proceeds benefits the United Foundation of Central Florida, supporting youth mentorship and educational programs, including an HBCU College Tour.
Festival founder Paul Allen Billings also created the independent Kids Free Trip to Africa program. Launched in 2017, the initiative has provided more than 55 African American youth with free educational trips to Africa centered on history, culture and heritage.
That community connection gives Heart & Soul a deeper purpose: entertainment becomes an avenue for investing in another generation.
Make It a Central Florida Getaway
Because the festival falls during the Columbus Day/Indigenous Peoples’ Day holiday weekend, travelers can transform the concert into an Orlando-area getaway.
Organizers have created a travel resource featuring hotels, dining, shopping, attractions and nightlife for visitors planning an extended Central Florida experience.
Festival Information
6th Annual Star 94.5 Heart & Soul Music Festival
Saturday, October 10, 2026
Apopka Amphitheater
3710 Jason Dwelley Parkway
Apopka, Florida
Doors Open: 2:30 p.m.
Show Begins: 4:00 p.m.
General Admission: Starting at $50
Reserved Seating & VIP Platinum: Available while supplies last
Tickets & Information:
https://HeartAndSoulFestival.com
For R&B lovers who appreciate timeless vocals, classic records and live musicianship, the Heart & Soul Music Festival offers something increasingly special: one stage where nostalgia, culture, community and generations of Black music can meet.
Editorial Feature | Entertainment & Music Spotlight