The Otis Redding Foundation (ORF) announced on Thursday the "4th Annual King of Soul Music Festival, taking place September 12–13, 2025 in Macon, Georgia, to benefit the newly opened Otis Redding Center for the Arts."
"In celebration of Otis Redding’s 84th birthday and his historic performances in New Orleans, the legendary Preservation Hall Jazz Band will be joined by special guests including Lamont Landers and Yola (more guests TBA) to headline the gala event, 'An Evening of Respect,' at 7:00 PM on Friday, September 12 at the Macon City Auditorium," they said in a statement. During the gala, they revealed that the following awards will be presented:
- Otis & Zelma Redding Award of Respect - Honoring those who embody the compassion, dignity, and community spirit of Otis and Zelma Redding through service, education, and the arts
- Otis Redding III Award of Philanthropy - Recognizing individuals who carry on Otis Redding III’s legacy of generosity, leadership, and dedication to uplifting others
- Otis Redding Foundation Dream Award - Recognizing dedication, ambition, and artistic excellence
"The celebration will then continue Saturday, September 13, with the 'Big ‘O’ Homecoming Show & Dance,' hosted at the Capitol Theatre and surrounding grounds at the Otis Redding Center for the Arts," they added. "The 2025 King of Soul Festival is made possible through generous support from sponsors including Visit Macon and Gretsch."
Tickets and Sponsorships
Sponsorships, including tables and dinner at An Evening of Respect, are available at otisreddingfoundation.org.
Balcony tickets are $55 (+ fees) and are available to purchase at the Macon Coliseum Box Office and via Ticketmaster linked here.
“My dad performed in New Orleans and Southern Louisiana several times between 1965 and 1967,” said Karla Redding-Andrews, Vice President and Executive Director of ORF. “After recently seeing them perform, my mom, Zelma, was thrilled to invite the Preservation Hall Jazz Band to headline this year’s celebration. Now that we’ve successfully opened the Otis Redding Center for the Arts, this festival is the perfect way to honor tradition while creating opportunities for future generations. We’re excited for the spirit of New Orleans to fill the Macon City Auditorium and will soon announce special guests who will join the band in performing Otis Redding classics.”
Ben Jaffe, Creative Director, bassist and tuba player for Preservation Hall Jazz Band said, “We’re thrilled and deeply honored to bring the New Orleans spirit to the King of Soul Festival—a celebration of soul, legacy, and the timeless power of music to connect us all.
