Soul Fest: Dukes & Boots Marks 10 Years of Southern Soul in Columbus

Promoter Tyrome Tukes will celebrate a milestone on Aug. 30, when the Civic Center comes alive for the 10th anniversary of Soul Fest: Dukes & Boots. The event, which begins at 7:30 p.m., will feature an all-star lineup of Southern soul artists including Calvin Richardson, Cupid, TK Soul, West Love, Mike Clark Jr., Wilson Meadows, and Medallion Ty.

For a decade, Tukes has been the driving force behind bringing Southern soul to the Chattahoochee Valley. “When people think of Southern soul here, they think of me now,” he said. “We were the first ones to actually start Soul Fest 10 years ago, and now everybody’s on that bandwagon.”

Southern soul is closely tied to the “trail ride” culture — outdoor gatherings with four-wheelers, side-by-sides, horses, barbecues, and live music. But Tukes said Soul Fest offers a different experience, opting for an intimate, indoor setting where fans can dress up, dance, and enjoy the music in comfort.

The 10th anniversary event, dubbed “Dukes & Boots,” will blend both worlds by bringing the picnic spirit indoors. Tukes promises a family-friendly, kid-friendly atmosphere, with a dance floor set up for those who want to move to the music. Guests are encouraged to wear boots, hats, and cowboy or cowgirl attire.

While known for his promotions, Tukes is also a musician who writes and performs blues and country music under the pseudonym Medallion Ty. A native of Miami and former member of the 75th Ranger Regiment, he has lived in the Columbus-Phenix City area for two decades.

Tickets for Soul Fest are already selling steadily, with Tukes expecting a surge in the final weeks. “Every year it starts slow, then it picks up,” he said. “But the true southern soul fans are going to come out for this — and when they come, everyone comes to have a great time.”

For more information or to purchase tickets, visit the Columbus Civic Center box office or the event’s official online outlets.