Keke Wyatt, Case, Con Funk Shun, Meli’sa Morgan and Hip-Hop Legend Chubb Rock Join One of Central Florida’s Premier Celebrations of Classic R&B
Tickets Start at Just $50
Nationwide — Fresh off a commanding performance in one of the year’s most talked-about R&B events, Joe will bring his celebrated catalog to Central Florida as the headliner of the 6th Annual Star 94.5 Heart & Soul Music Festival, Saturday, October 10, 2026, at the Apopka Amphitheater. Joe’s August 20 VERZUZ showdown with fellow R&B star Donell Jones reminded millions of music fans just how deep his catalog runs. In Complex’s round-by-round fan voting, Joe captured 75 percent of the vote and won 14 of 16 scored rounds, delivering a performance that generated widespread praise from fans and music media.
One of the night’s biggest surprises came when 50 Cent joined Joe onstage for their G-Unit collaboration “Wanna Get to Know You” and “Big Rich Town,” the original theme from the hit television series Power. And despite dominating the VERZUZ stage, Joe still didn’t have enough rounds to perform many other fan favorites from his extensive catalog — giving Central Florida fans even more reason to see him live at the Heart & Soul Music Festival.
Known for timeless hits including “I Wanna Know,” “All the Things (Your Man Won’t Do),” “Don’t Wanna Be a Player,” “Stutter,” “All That I Am,” and “Good Girls,” Joe has remained one of R&B’s most respected voices for more than three decades. His smooth vocals, deep catalog, memorable songwriting, and powerful live performances continue to captivate audiences around the world. Now, following his triumphant VERZUZ performance, Central Florida fans will have the opportunity to experience Joe live with a full concert performance at the Star 94.5 Heart & Soul Music Festival.
An All-Star Celebration of R&B, Soul and Funk
Joining Joe on stage will be an all-star lineup celebrating the soundtrack of a generation. Keke Wyatt, whose extraordinary vocal range and powerhouse performances have made her one of contemporary R&B’s most celebrated singers, will bring her unmistakable voice to the festival stage.
Case, known for R&B classics including “Touch Me, Tease Me,” “Happily Ever After,” and “Missing You,” will perform some of the records that helped define late-’90s and early-2000s R&B. Legendary funk and R&B band Con Funk Shun will bring decades of hits to Apopka, including favorites such as “Love’s Train,” “Ffun,” and “Chase Me.” R&B icon Meli’sa Morgan, whose timeless recordings have remained favorites among soul music lovers for generations, will also perform.
Making his first-ever appearance at the Star 94.5 Heart & Soul Music Festival is hip-hop legend Chubb Rock, who will serve as host and perform during the day’s festivities. Best known for the classic “Treat ’Em Right,” Chubb Rock will keep the energy high throughout the festival with his signature humor, charisma and stage presence.
“After watching Joe remind the world during VERZUZ just how incredible his catalog is, we’re even more excited to have him headlining this year’s festival,” said festival organizer Paul Allen Billings. “He didn’t just show that he still has the voice — he showed that three decades later, these records still connect with people. And the amazing part is, VERZUZ only scratched the surface of the hits fans are going to hear when he comes to Apopka.”
Billings added: “This year’s lineup is everything our fans have been asking for. These artists created the soundtrack of our lives, and we’re bringing them together for one unforgettable day of music, memories and community.”
More Than a Concert
Since launching in 2020, the Star 94.5 Heart & Soul Music Festival has grown into much more than a concert. It has become an annual celebration of Black music, culture, entrepreneurship and community, attracting thousands of attendees from across Florida and neighboring states. Festival attendees can enjoy outstanding live entertainment, local food vendors, retail exhibitors, community organizations, health resources, and a welcoming, family-friendly atmosphere.
New for 2026, organizers are adding a giant video wall/JumboTron in the General Admission area, giving guests an even better, up-close view of the performances throughout the festival.
Investing in the Community
Beyond the entertainment, the Heart & Soul Music Festival remains committed to giving back. A portion of festival proceeds supports the United Foundation of Central Florida, helping fund youth mentorship opportunities and educational initiatives, including its HBCU College Tour, which exposes students to the history, traditions, and educational opportunities available at Historically Black Colleges and Universities.
Festival founder Paul Allen Billings is also the creator of the Kids Free Trip to Africa program, an independent initiative launched in 2017. Since its inception, the program has taken more than 55 African American youth to Africa completely free of charge, providing life-changing educational experiences designed to reconnect participants with African history, culture, and heritage.
“Music has always been a powerful way to bring people together,” Billings said. “If we can create an incredible festival while also investing in young people and helping them expand their view of the world, then we’ve accomplished something far greater than hosting a concert.”
Turn the Festival Into a Holiday Weekend
With the festival taking place during the Columbus Day/Indigenous Peoples’ Day holiday weekend, organizers are encouraging visitors to make it a complete Orlando-area getaway. To help attendees plan their trip, organizers have launched HeartAndSoulFestivalWeekend.com, a travel website featuring hotel recommendations, attractions, restaurants, shopping, nightlife, and other activities throughout Orlando and Central Florida.
Whether visitors are traveling from another part of Florida or flying in from across the country, the site provides resources to help turn the Heart & Soul Music Festival into a memorable Central Florida holiday weekend.
Tickets On Sale Now
Tickets for the 6th Annual Star 94.5 Heart & Soul Music Festival are on sale now, with General Admission tickets starting at just $50. Reserved seating and VIP Platinum packages are also available while supplies last.
Event Information
6th Annual Star 94.5 Heart & Soul Music Festival, Saturday, October 10, 2026
Apopka Amphitheater
3710 Jason Dwelley Parkway, Apopka, Florida
Doors Open: 2:30 p.m.
Show Begins: 4:00 p.m.
For tickets, visit HeartAndSoulFestival.com
Planning to stay for the holiday weekend? Visit HeartAndSoulFestivalWeekend.com
About
Founded in 2020, the Star 94.5 Heart & Soul Music Festival has become one of Central Florida’s premier celebrations of classic R&B, soul, and Black culture. The annual event brings together legendary performers, local businesses, community organizations, and music lovers from across the country for an unforgettable day of live entertainment while supporting programs that invest in the next generation.
This year’s festival promises to be the biggest yet, offering an exceptional lineup of legendary artists, enhanced fan experiences, and a continued commitment to strengthening communities through music, education, and opportunity.