Icons of the soul world will perform at the Porretta Soul Festival from July 23 to July 26, as the Emilia-Romagna town just over the border from Tuscany hosts another four-day celebration of the genre.
This year’s festival line-up features a mix of established soul legends and contemporary performers. Opening on Thursday 23, long-time festival favourite Curtis Salgado returns to the stage with his signature blend of blues and soul, joined by the Soul Shot Band, pianist Mitch Woods and the Bononia Sound Machine. Friday continues with high-energy performances from acclaimed guitarist Eric Gales, The Jewels and the Tad Robinson Band. On Saturday, audiences can expect standout appearances from Lenny Williams and Karen Wolfe, with further performances from the Memphis Music Hall of Fame Band, The Jewels, Thornetta Davis and ZBlues Band. The festival closes on Sunday with a special revue by the Memphis Music Hall of Fame band, Lenny Williams, as well as soul pioneer John Ellison of Soul Brothers Six.
Leading the 2026 line-up are two artists whose careers span the rich legacy and evolving future of soul music. Lenny Williams remains one of the great voices of the genre, celebrated for his years fronting Tower of Power and solo hits such as ‘Cause I Love You’. His soaring vocals and warm tone helped define the 1970s soul scene. Williams is scheduled to appear on Saturday, July 25 and return for the closing revue on Sunday, July 26.
One of the most dynamic guitarists of his generation, Eric Gales will perform on Friday, July 24 and also in the grand finale revue. Gales is renowned for his upside-down right-handed guitar technique, improvisation, and a style that mixes soul, funk and blues. Praised for his recent albums including ‘Crown,’ he brings a innovative edge to the festival whilst staying rooted in the deep South musical tradition.
The Soul Festival continues its tradition of honouring artists who have made a significant contribution to the soul genre. This year Jerry Phillips, son of Sam Phillips – head of the Sam Phillips Recording Studios in Memphis, that helped shaped modern American music, will receive the Sweet Soul Music Award. Whilst linked to his father’s legacy Jerry Phillips has built a career in his own right as a musician, songwriter and producer. Phillips has performed with a range of soul artists and bands, including The Jesters, Billy Lee Riley and Mud Boys. Albhy Galuten, producer for the Bees Gees and the soundtrack to Saturday Night Fever will receive the Sweet Soul Music Legacy Award. These awards recognise the personal achievements of Galuten and Philips, and their roles in preserving soul music and its rich historical heritage in Memphis.
In addition to the main evening programme, Porretta Terme is filled with music throughout the day thanks to the free morning and afternoon concerts on the Rufus Thomas Café Stage. On Friday, July 24, the free performances begin at 11 am with Hevol Band, followed by Soulfix at 12pm, before later sets from Giallo Blues Band and Guitarbo. On Saturday 25th, concerts again start at 11am with Soul What?!, followed later by Good Ole Boys, Joleen Band and 5th Avenue Retail Market. The music begins at 10 am on Sunday 26, with Oversoul StreetBand, Tennessee Rose Blues and later afternoon sets from Doors To Baloons and Eightballs. Performances feature a lively mix of artists from across Italy and international guests, reflecting the festival’s broad outreach and community spirit.
If four days of soul do not feel like enough, luckily, the Porretta spirit continues beyond the festival with a series of free concerts across Emilia-Romagna and the surrounding Apennine towns. Special post-festival shows begin on the July 27 in Vergato with Thornetta Davis & ZBlues Band, who play together again in Tolé on July 28 and Camugnano on July 29. On July 30, Mitch Woods & His Rockin’ 88s will perform in Rocchetta Mattei, before Bononia Sound Machine closes the soul music celebration in Grizzana Morandi on July 31.
Throughout the festival, visitors can also enjoy visiting the town’s murals of soul musicians in addition to a lively food scene. Across the four days, market stalls will serve a variety of international food, with flavours from Italy, Argentina, Greece and naturally America. Visitors can eat anything from classic American hamburgers and hot dogs to Argentinian BBQ, Greek salads and Italian staples, making food a central part of the festival atmosphere.
Tickets are available on the festival website https://www.vivaticket.com/it/tour/porretta-soul-festival/149 , with free entry for under 13s and a 50% discount for those aged 14-18 years. Day passes are reasonably priced at €40, and the four-day pass at €120. (Aniela Cabut)
