5th Annual Leroy Robinson Festival: Lakeside and Special Guests

The Leroy Robinson Southern Soul & Soul Music Festival is a powerful celebration of music, legacy, and community—created in honor of the late Elkhart legend Leroy Robinson, whose lifelong commitment to service, leadership, and culture left a lasting impact on the region.

Originally established following Robinson’s passing in 2022, the festival was inspired by his deep love of soul music and his vision for bringing people together through meaningful cultural experiences. Today, the festival continues as an annual tradition celebrating Southern Soul, classic R&B, and funk—genres that tell stories of resilience, joy, and connection.

This year’s festival is headlined by Lakeside, the legendary funk and R&B group whose iconic hits—including “Fantastic Voyage,” “It’s All the Way Live,” and “Raid”—have kept audiences dancing for generations. Joining Lakeside as special guests are Southern Soul favorite T.K. Soul, known for crowd-pleasing hits such as “Cheating & Lying,” “Love Games,” and “One Woman Man,” and rising star Cecily Wilborn, whose independently produced single “Southern Man” has garnered millions of streams and earned her growing recognition across the Southern Soul scene.

Together, these acclaimed performers promise an unforgettable evening of soulful melodies, infectious grooves, and crowd-pleasing hits—celebrating not only the music, but the spirit of unity, culture, and community that Leroy Robinson championed throughout his life.

Lakeside

Formed in Dayton, Ohio in 1969, Lakeside emerged as one of funk and R&B’s most influential and enduring groups. After early development under the guidance of industry veterans including Eddie Thomas and Dick Griffey, the band signed with Griffey’s SOLAR Records, where they gained creative freedom to write and co-produce their own music—an opportunity that helped define their distinctive, groove-driven sound.

Lakeside broke through nationally with their 1978 album Shot of Love, led by the Top 5 R&B hit “It’s All the Way Live.” Their success reached new heights with the release of Fantastic Voyage (1980), featuring the iconic title track that topped the R&B charts, crossed over to the pop charts, and went Gold and Platinum. The song remains one of funk music’s most recognizable anthems.

Throughout the 1980s, Lakeside continued to deliver chart-topping hits including “Raid,” “Outrageous,” and “Bullseye,” earning a reputation for high-energy performances, bold visual style, and timeless dance-floor classics. With a legacy spanning decades, Lakeside’s music continues to unite generations through infectious rhythms, soulful melodies, and unmistakable funk.

TK Soul

T.K. Soul developed a passion for music at a young age, starting to play various instruments by ear at just 10 years old. Influenced by iconic artists such as The Jackson 5, Prince, and Stevie Wonder, he honed his skills in school and church choirs, eventually performing with local bands during his teenage years. By age 14, he was already reading music and playing in school bands, showcasing his early talent and dedication to music

T.K. Soul, born Terence Kimble on August 26, 1964, in Winnfield, Louisiana, is a prominent soul and R&B artist known for his powerful vocals and engaging performances.

Cecily Wilborn

PC Band