The Ragin Cajun food truck
* Inglewood, CA – A quick search on Google for 1st Friday Food Truck, 4th Friday Food Trucks or Food Trucks, one will find a plethora of events around town with food trucks at various venues for different functions. Some events are held for school fundraisers, part of Art Walks, while other events feature food trucks in conjunction with major events.
Thanks also to Social Media; all of the food trucks have a huge, loyal following. People can stay connected by Facebook, Twitter, email and other technological outlets.
I attended the 4th Friday Food Trucks presented by Radio Free 102.3 KJLH and The City of Inglewood on Friday, September 27, 2013. This was the second installment of three events held in Downtown Inglewood on Market Street (between Manchester and Regent). Various food trucks were positioned on the East and West side of Market Street, with several additional trucks along Queen. This made for a smorgasbord of authentic and original cuisines to the delight of all in attendance. This tremendously popular event has already exceeded all expectations.
People had several reasons for attending 4th Friday Food Trucks. One could go for the ambiance and stay for the food and entertainment or any variation of these options.
There was long line at many of the trucks. People didn’t mind the wait. Trucks in attendance on this occasion consisted of Nu Nu Orleans, Postcards, Tango Mango (Italian Ice), The Philly Lean, Ragin Cajun, Macho Nacho, CJ Wings, Canvas Foods, Sweet Arleen’s, Recess Ice Cream, India Jones, Roll’ NLobster, Sista Soul Food, B&R Old Fashion Burgers, The Melt and Back A Yard (Jamaican Cuisine). I purposely omitted the menu items in an effort to not tease you too much with the various culinary delights at this event. Attendees could chow down at one of the many tables set up for the occasion. There were people stopping by to pick up dinner for themselves, their family, while others stopped by in route to one many sporting or entertainment events taken place around Southern California. This event made it easy to satisfy your taste buds.
Stacey Graham
Top notch entertainment was provided by Stacey Graham, Ariela and Soul City Players during the hours I was in attendance at this tremendously popular event.
Vocalist, songwriter and keyboardist Stacey Graham opened the show with an original tune “Hershey Kisses.” She continued her crowd pleasing set with two cover tunes “Beautiful Surprise” by India Irie and “Ego” by Beyonce.
Ariela came to the event with impressive credentials. She is related to Joe Tex and The Brothers Johnson. She was joined onstage with her husband and two outstanding backup singers. The crowd and I enjoyed their time in the spotlight on the tunes “I’ll Be Good” by Angela Winbush, “I Got a Vibe,” “You Want My Love,” “Piece of Your Heart,” “Baby,” “The Truth,” and “Shame” by Evelyn “Champagne” King.
Soul City Players set if off as they ignited the festivities with some classic old school funk cover tunes that got the crowd up on the virtual dance floor. The crowd and I were moving and groovin’ on “Get Down on It,” “One Nation Under a Groove,” “Fancy Dancer,” “Amazing” (slow jam), and a medley of tunes by the Ohio Players “Skin Tight,” and “Fire.”
The Ariela Band
Nautica de la Cruz served as Mistress of Ceremonies with DJ Rock of Radio Free 102.3 KJLH playing tracks in between acts.
4th Friday Food Trucks is an opportunity for residents and visitors alike to rediscover the wonderful businesses in Downtown Inglewood. Heart and Soul Grill, Stuff I Eat and Soul Food Kitchen benefitted from the huge influx of people to Market Street.
Mark your calendar for October 25, 2013 for the third but not last installment for the 4th Friday Food Trucks. Take advantage of this opportunity to join thousands after work for a marvelous evening out with family, friends or fellow co-worker for some tasty food, live entertainment in a relaxing setting.
Ricky Richardson is a Southern California based music reviewer, writer and photographer. Contact him via: liltampared@netzero.net