Mon, Aug 24
|Neil St. Blues
Cooking With Soul at Neil St Blues
For the Culture is bringing you Cooking with Soul, a unique opportunity to support future entrepreneurs while enjoying an upscale soul food dining experience. Enjoy live music and $5 soul food plates created by local students under the guidance of Neil St. Blues owner Gayle Starks.
Time & Location
Aug 24, 2026, 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Neil St. Blues, 301 N Neil St #106, Champaign, IL 61820, USA
About the event
In collaboration with The Beat on Market Street, Neil St. Blues and First Followers are bringing you Cooking with Soul, an experience that invests directly in the next generation of entrepreneurs, chefs, and community leaders.
Earlier in the day, five selected students and community members will participate in a hands-on culinary experience led by Neil St. Blues owner Gayle Starks. From 2 PM to 5 PM, participants will learn kitchen skills, food preparation, restaurant operations, and what it takes to successfully own and operate a restaurant in Downtown Champaign.
Then at 6 PM, the doors open to the community. Entry tickets are $5.00 per person and guests will have the opportunity to enjoy live music and purchase $5 soul food plates (non alcoholic beverages are included) prepared by the students themselves under Gayle's guidance. The evening is designed to give participants a real-world opportunity to showcase what they've learned while…