MEDIA RELEASE
The 2nd Annual “Taste of Turney” Food & Music Festival: A Feast for Your Senses! Garfield Heights’ celebration takes center stage Saturday, August 23rd with Carlos Jones, and The PLUS Band on Turney Road!
GARFIELD HEIGHTS, Ohio – Garfield Heights resident business owners Vonda Leath (Sweetly Shoibhan Pastries), Charlene Wesley (Auntie Lumpy’s Restaurant) are not only bringing together a curated mix of local artisans, food trucks, musicians and vendors, they’re literally growing the 2nd annual food and music event “Taste of Turney” from last year’s inaugural single-site location to a food and music street festival on Turney Road Saturday, August 23rd, with musical headliner Carlos Jones and The PLUS Band bringing their signature blend of Roots-Reggae / Island Soul music. ‘Taste of Turney’ is a celebration of local talent, creativity, culinary artistry, and the vibrant spirit of the community at every step along the event corridor.
WHERE: Turney Road from Runnymede Avenue to Garfield Boulevard
TIME: 12:00 Noon – 7:00 p.m.
COST: No Cost to Attend – Individual Transaction for Vendors
“Hosting the second annual Taste of Turney is more than an event — it is a celebration of our community’s heart and soul. We are honored to bring together local talent, small businesses, and neighbors for a day filled with joy, culture, and connection. With deep appreciation for everyone who makes this possible, we are excited to keep building something truly special together.”, said Co-creators and Event Chairs Vonda Leath and Charlene Wesley.
Corporate and community support for Taste of Taste continue to grow year-over-year with Garfield Culinary, Jack Daniel’s Distillery, The Aviator Event Center & Pub, Miss O’s Cafe and Pernel Jones & Sons Funeral Home, local and regional partners. “Jack Daniels is proud to be a partner of the 2025 Taste of Turney Festival that brings music, food, and community fun to life. Cheers!”, exclaimed Glynn Wesley, District Manager Multicultural Division. “We are proud to support Taste of Turney! We thank them for their work in the community!”, said Khadar Soussou, President & Co-Owner, The Aviator Event Center & Pub Experience. The City’s first-and-only culinary incubator, Garfield Culinary and Owner James Klimo, will be a returning sponsor for the 2025 event.
“Where good hearts meet good food, great people, and a greater purpose — that’s where community begins.”, said Larry Lane, Owner Mrs. O’s Café and Founder of The Village Performing Arts and Culture Center. “I am happy to support Taste of Turney! This is a wonderful opportunity for all to experience the very best in music, art, and culinary delights the Garfield Heights community has to offer.”, said County Councilman Pernel Jones, Jr., Co-Owner Pernel Jones & Sons Funeral Home.
Entertainment also includes Robert Johnson Jr. the Line Dance King, MC Smooth & the Phenomenal Ballroom Dancers, Mattie Blue, Vaughn Music, Raven Rae, Zumba with Ki, Jinari Kemet & the Black Jackets, and on the 1s & 2s: DJ Ju, and DJ Sissy Bunny.
Mayor Matt Burke shared, “I’m absolutely thrilled about the Taste of Turney Street Festival. As we focus on the future of our Turney Road Business Corridor, and mixed-use development, our collective goal is to create a “Historic Downtown District” that’s a vibrant, “on trend” social and entertainment destination. The Taste of Turney Street Festival will play a pivotal role in reaching that goal by bringing local and regional neighbors together to share an atmosphere alive with sound, art, and flavor.”
