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2025: Leroy Robinson Southern Soul and Soul Music Festival
Sunday, August 10, 2025 @ 8:00 am - Sunday, August 17, 2025 @ 7:00 pm
The Elkhart Chapter of the Indiana Black Expo is a 501C-3 organization, has been a pillar of the Elkhart community for more than 50 years! Celebrating its 50th anniversary in 2022. Its programming and events has a long, rich history of impacting our region.
In 2022 The Elkhart Chapter of Indiana Black Expo lost its founding father Leroy Robinson to an unexpected death. Leroy’s passing left a void in this community that may never be filled. Leroy was the true definition of a trailblazer and a city legend.
That same year the Elkhart Chapter of the Indiana Black Expo created the Leroy Robinson Southern Soul & Soul Music Festival Elkhart IBE decided in honor of Leroy’s love of music and also a celebration of his life. It was very clear that a continuation of Leroy’s Soul Music Festivals that was organized under the umbrella of the Elkhart Chapter Indiana Black Expo was very appropriate. The Elkhart Chapter of Indiana Black Expo feels that there are no events of its kind in the Michiana area and has decided to make this an annual event.
Leroy Robinson was employed by the city of Elkhart as the building commissioner for 16 years until his retirement. He was a member of the St. James A.M.E. Church and, along with his wife Beatrice, founded H.O.M.E., an organization whose purpose was to assist individuals in purchasing homes. He also helped found the Elkhart Chapter of the Black Expo, which he remained very active until his death.
Sunday, August 10
Lerner on the Lawn: Let’s Rock! – Lamar Campbell & Spirit of Praise
Central Green – 4:00 PM
Thursday, August 14
Mental Health Symposium – Hosted By DMC
The Lerner Theatre
4:00 PM
The DMC Mental Health Symposium brings together music, mental wellness, and motivation in an unforgettable event led by hip-hop pioneer Darryl “DMC” McDaniels. As a founding member of the legendary group Run-DMC, Darryl broke barriers in music, fashion, and culture—selling over 40 million records and amassing a billion streams. Beyond the music, his journey has been deeply personal and inspiring, and we are pleased to host this Q&A and community discussion.
Thursday, August 14
2025 Leroy Robinson: African American Arts & Culture Pavilion
The Lerner Theatre – 410 S Main Street
5:00 PM
The African American Arts & Cultural Pavilion aims to provide a platform for artists to express their creativity, share their unique perspectives, and celebrate the richness of Black culture through various forms of art.
Friday, August 15
The Chrisette Michele Experience
The Lerner Theatre
7:00 PM
Featuring: Chrisette Michele, Syleena Johnson, Howard Hewett, Jeter Jones, Surface, and DMC
Saturday, August 16
South Side Parade – 11:00 AM
Food Truck Festival – Elkhart Plaza – 12:00 PM
Soul Music on the Greens of Central Park – 12:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Featuring: Al Hudson & One Way
Sunday, August 17
Anthony Kyle Flourish Season Youth Basketball Camp
Northside Gym – 1:00 PM
Garvin Roberson Elkhart Central vs. ElkhartMemorial Legends Game – 3:00 PM
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Doors open 1 (one) hour before event.
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Please call the Box Office at (574) 293-4469.
Patron bags exceeding 14 inches by 14 inches by 6 inches (14” x 14” x 6″) are not permitted inside The Lerner. The term “bags” includes, without limitation, backpacks, briefcases, luggage, duffel bags, musical instrument cases, purses, boxes, packages and carry-alls.
All bags are subject to search at the discretion of management and/or security personnel. Exceptions are made for bags used to carry medical equipment and diaper bags for customers with small children.
Guests with prohibited items will be turned away from the entrances to return items to their vehicles or to dispose of them.
No storage or “check in area” will be provided for prohibited items. Lerner management reserves the right to deny any item it deems to be a safety hazard.