Local mover and shaker Janard Cross will be hosting the second annual Rock & Soul Fest on Saturday Oct. 7 at Sports Com.

The event, which Cross has christened a “concertelebration” is a concert, television show taping, and his 25th birthday celebration all wrapped into one.

Cross said he was inspired to start hosting birthday parties as a sophomore in high school, an inspiration which continued until he got to college. During his senior year at MTSU he decided it was time to strike the parties back up for the sake of good ol’ fashioned fun.

“God has really preserved that youthfulness in me,” he says.

However, at his 23rd party he realized that people didn’t dance as much as he would’ve liked them to, but he noticed they really got into the live performances.

So for his 24th birthday, Cross decided he would center the event around the live performances, thus the Rock & Soul Fest was born.

“This keeps the adults satisfied and occupied,” he says of the live performances, “but also, the youth love it.”

In addition to live performances by Cross and the Daughters, Christian hip-hop artist Ricky B, and others, there will also be a fashion show by Cameo Camille Fashions hosted by Cross and Kisha Piphus.

The Rock & Soul Fest is a party with a purpose and Cross is on a mission to not only show attendees a great time, but to also impact their lives. To aid in this endeavor, he’s bringing in special guest speakers such as Judge Don Ash, Pastor Joe Cross and Angela Anderson of Affinity Music Publishing to deliver positive messages to the community.

According to Cross, this multi-faceted event has something for everyone, whether it’s the free food, music, fashion or special guest speakers.

“It’s going to be one of those ?all things for all people’ things,” he says. “It’s something I can do to get all my friends and people together.”

Cross, a self-proclaimed extrovert, who once lived a very introverted life, feels that his mission is to reach people and touch their lives.

“One thing God has put in me is a heart to reach people,” he says. “I like doing things that help bring the best out of others.”

In addition to planning and hosting the Rock & Soul Fest, Cross is the youth pastor and choir director at Freedom of Worship Outreach Church and the host of six-year MTTV staple “Let’s Go Higher.” He is also a graduate of MTSU’s recording industry management program and is working on his own rock and soul/gospel album to be released “in due time.”

The Rock & Soul Fest will begin at 5 p.m. and is free and open to the public.

For additional information, visit myspace.com/janard cross.