Candlelight, Community & Soul: A Night with Kindred The Family Soul in Atlanta’s Historic West End

• Highlight -  Atlanta’s West End glowed with love, laughter, and legacy at the 16th Annual Candlelight Concert Under the Stars, featuring Kindred The Family Soul (BET Award nominees) and GRAMMY-nominated Philippia on the historic grounds of The Wren’s Nest Museum.

• Context -  For sixteen years, neighbors, friends, and visitors from several states away have traveled into Atlanta’s beloved West End for this magical evening, proudly sponsored by Lee+White, 1200 White St., and Gordon White Parkside Townhomes. This year’s stage belonged to Kindred The Family Soul, a husband-and-wife duo known for embodying Black love in song, and Philippia, a powerhouse vocalist and actress who once graced Tyler Perry’s films and has carried her gift across genres.

  The setting itself carried history that only deepened the night. The Wren’s Nest, once the home of writer Joel Chandler Harris, is where the stories of Brer Rabbit and Uncle Remus were first penned—tales passed down from enslaved African Americans, rich with wit and intelligence. Harris, often placed alongside Mark Twain as a peer, gave voice to stories that affirmed the genius of Black creativity in the harshest of conditions. It is often said his work inspired Walt Disney’s early character creations, from Mickey Mouse to Bugs Bunny. That this same land now hosts evenings of love, joy, and harmony—with the descendants of those once silenced gathering freely to celebrate—feels both poetic and prophetic.
  

  

  The atmosphere was dazzling. Tables were draped in elegant cloths, flickering with candles and glowing lamps, complete with wine, chafing dishes, and butler-style spreads. Guests arrived in attire worthy of Legacy Week at Martha’s Vineyard or a dope D9 destination wedding in Caribbean —laughing, toasting, and fellowshipping under the stars.
  

  Kindred The Family Soul is comprised of Husband Fatin Dantzler and his beautiful wife Aja Graydon. Dantzler told us at HipHopTruth.com that he is grateful for meaningful historic places for art such as The Wren's Nest in the Historic West End. On the Wren's Nest' stage, Kindred poured out energy that was inspiring yet grounded, reminding us that joy doesn’t have to overwhelm to be powerful. Their marriage and mutual appreciation shone through every note. Philippia brought a slow-burn brilliance that built with each song: from Go-Go to Chaka Khan, Tears for Fears to a Tina Turner tribute that honored Queen Turner in breathtaking fashion. The night was made even sweeter when she invited her daughter on stage for a surprise rendition of Jill Scott’s music, only to discover—alongside the audience—that her daughter could scat, with an adoring smile Phillipia asked "Did she just scat on me?!" to which the audience answered with smiles and warm heart felt laughter. The final embrace between them was a picture of legacy, love, and preparation meeting opportunity.
  

  Through it all, God’s presence was evident in the laughter, the joy, and the love shared. As Scripture reminds us, “God is love.” That truth echoed in every smile, song, and embrace.

Tips/Key Take-A-Ways

• Legacy Lives Through Us – Just as The Wren’s Nest carries forward stories born from resilience, our lives tell stories every day. What legacy of faith and love are you leaving behind?

• Love is a Ministry – Kindred The Family Soul showed that marriage can be art, witness, and ministry. Black love rooted in gratitude is powerful testimony.

• Preparation Meets Opportunity – Philippia’s daughter stepping into her own gift reminded us that when we stay ready, God opens doors at the right moment.

Next Steps & Questions to Ask Yourself

• Mindful Reflection: Lord, how are You calling me to use my gifts to create love and joy in my community this week?

• Explore Resources: Stay inspired through mindful playlists and Christian wellness tools at HipHopTruth.com, download the Chill Sister App  or browse our official compensated Amazon Influencer page, for books, music, and resources that feed your soul.