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COCA Spotlight: Drive-By Fish Fry, music spark Soul of Southside Festival

“I see it as bringing life back to the United States, bringing life back to the community,” muses E. Marie Sissle, chair for the inaugural Soul of Southside Arts and Humanities Festival’s kickoff event. “Colors…

“I see it as bringing life back to the United States, bringing life back to the community,” muses E. Marie Sissle, chair for the inaugural Soul of Southside Arts and Humanities Festival’s kickoff event. “Colors always bring back life.” 

Sissle immediately volunteered when she heard about the vision for the brand new festival. As founder and executive director of the SoMo Playhouse, Sissle lives and breathes theater and the arts. She relocated the playhouse from Midtown to South Monroe because she saw the potential for the arts to blossom in the community.

“It became very clear that more voices needed a spotlight on the southside of Tallahassee,” says Sissle. “I wanted to get involved because this is my community, and you have to have a seat at the table.” 

The Soul of Southside Festival will take place from May 20-22, and features neighborhood history tours, a youth entrepreneurship expo and pitch competitions, food and entertainment.

Read the rest of the story by visiting the Tallahassee Democrat

or read more by downloading the article here.