Meet Dr. Craig Soaries | Social Entrepreneur, Technology Ethicist and Professional Musician.

We had the good fortune of connecting with Dr. Craig Soaries and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Dr. Craig, how has your background shaped the person you are today?
As a native of and originally from suburban Montclair, New Jersey I was fortunate to have a richly diverse and privileged childhood and upbringing.  With a stable home, and professional, educated parents it made the difference in my focus and future career path.  I was also blessed to have private piano and pipe organ instructors throughout my childhood and teen years.

As age eleven I was selected to be the only African-American male in 1966 to attend a demonstration junior high/high school, where students were taught by college professors, on the campus of Montclair State University and excelled in my education until graduation in 1972 and admitted by early decision to Ithaca College as a music major.  This was the first of four institutions of higher learning that I would later graduate from earning two Masters degrees in Music and Computer Ethics (Mercer University and Old Dominion University) and Intercultural Communication as well as DBA in Management and Linguistic Anthropology (Case Western Reserve University)

The foundation established in my youth through my parent’s encouragement led to a life of interdisciplinary pursuits, a passion for research and academia.  Combined with a call to ministry, music performance and leadership I am blessed to share my talents and training globally on every major continent for the past forty-five years.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
What sets me apart is my lifelong dedication to music and my ability to connect with people through my performances. I’m most proud of my ability to play multiple instruments (piano, Hammond organ, and pipe organ) and to adapt my style to different genres, from classical to gospel. I’m also proud of my global perspective, shaped by my frequent travels to Africa since 1992. These experiences have deepened my understanding of the cultural significance of music and the arts, and they inform my work as a musician and educator.

My journey has not been easy, but it has been deeply rewarding. I started playing music at a very young age, and my parents played a significant role in nurturing my talent. My mother was my first piano teacher, and my father encouraged me to pursue a well-rounded education. Overcoming challenges required perseverance, adaptability, and a willingness to learn. I’ve faced financial struggles, the pressures of balancing multiple roles, and the need to constantly evolve as an artist. However, these challenges have taught me resilience and the importance of staying true to my passion. I am thankful that my wife of 45 years has been 100% supportive of my multi-faceted career and lifestyle.

Some of the key factors I would like the world to know about my story is the need to:

1. Be bi-vocational: Relying solely on music can be financially challenging. Having multiple skills and sources of income provides stability.

2. Stay dedicated: Music requires constant practice, learning, and growth. Dedication is key to improving and staying relevant.

3. Embrace challenges: Challenges are opportunities to grow. They teach resilience and creativity.

3. Honor your roots: My family and cultural heritage have shaped who I am. Staying connected to these roots, as a Black man, keeps my music authentic and meaningful.

As an overview, I want the world to know that my music is an extension of who I am—a reflection of my faith, my heritage, and my journey. My story is one of perseverance, passion, and the power of the arts to connect people across cultures and generations.

Through my performances, I aim to inspire others, celebrate the richness of Black culture, and honor the legacy of those who have shaped me, like my mother and father. My brand is built on authenticity, excellence, and a deep love for music that transcends boundaries.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Day 1: Welcome to Atlanta – Southern Charm & City Views
Breakfast: Atlanta Breakfast Club – A classic Southern breakfast spot known for its fried chicken & waffles.
Morning Activity: The BeltLine Eastside Trail – Start with a stroll along the BeltLine, stopping at Ponce City Market for shops, rooftop games, and skyline views.
Lunch: Krog Street Market – Enjoy diverse food hall offerings, from BBQ to sushi.
Afternoon Activity: Martin Luther King Jr. National Historical Park – Visit the King Center, Ebenezer Baptist Church, and MLK’s childhood home.
Dinner: The Optimist – One of the best seafood spots in the city, featuring fresh oysters and an incredible ambiance.

Day 2: History & Civil Rights Tour
Breakfast: Thumbs Up Diner – A classic ATL breakfast staple.
Morning Activity: National Center for Civil and Human Rights – One of the most impactful museums in the country.
Lunch: Paschal’s – A historic restaurant where civil rights leaders once met, famous for its fried chicken.
Afternoon Activity: Atlanta History Center – Visit the Swan House, Civil War exhibits, and the Southern heritage gardens.
Dinner: Bones – One of the best steakhouses in the South.

Day 3: Arts, Music & Culture
Breakfast: Murphy’s – A Virginia-Highland classic with top-notch brunch.
Morning Activity: High Museum of Art – One of the top art museums in the Southeast.
Lunch: Home Grown GA – Famous for their “Comfy Chicken Biscuit.”
Afternoon Activity: The World of Coca-Cola (a rich interactive experience into the world of Coke)
Dinner: Staplehouse – A creative, award-winning fine-dining experience.

Day 4: Outdoor Adventure & Scenic Views
Breakfast: Buttermilk Kitchen – Southern-inspired breakfast made from scratch.
Morning Activity: Stone Mountain Park – Hike to the top for stunning views or take the cable car.
Lunch: Fago de Chao (A wonderful Brazilian dining experience)
Afternoon Activity: Piedmont Park & Atlanta Botanical Garden – Stroll through the park and see the famous canopy walk.
Dinner: Gunshow – An interactive dining experience with rotating chefs.

Day 5: Sports, Shopping & Neighborhood Vibes
Breakfast: West Egg Café – A favorite for coffee and Southern breakfast.
Morning Activity: Mercedes-Benz Stadium Tour – Explore where the Falcons and Atlanta United play.
Lunch: The Varsity (A famous lunch spot in the heart of the city)
Afternoon Activity: Shopping at Lenox Square & Phipps Plaza or a visit to Castleberry Hill for art and local galleries.
Dinner: Marcel – A luxe French steakhouse in West Midtown.

Day 6: Day Trip or Relaxing ATL Experience
(Culture & Music): Explore The Battery Atlanta for live music followed by a Braves game if in season.
OR
The Atlanta Aquarium & The Civil Rights Museum of Atlanta (adjacent to the aquarium) with lunch on location.

Day 7: Brunch & Farewell
Brunch: South City Kitchen Midtown – A quintessential Southern meal.
Final Stroll: Visit the Jackson Street Bridge for a last breathtaking view of the Atlanta skyline.
Afternoon Snack: Jeni’s Ice Cream in West Midtown.

This itinerary blends Atlanta’s rich history, music scene, iconic restaurants, outdoor adventures, and cultural gems of Atlanta!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
While there are many people throughtout my life that have provided many levels of inspiration and encouragement I want to acknowledge my late father, DeForest B. Soaries and my 93 year old mother Mary (Mitzi) Soaries my first piano teacher and lifelong encourager. The foundation they provided from childhood and role model in education and work ethics remains a guiding inspiration to me as I pursue my dreams and aspirations.

Website: https://www.gecenterprises.com

Instagram: cesoaries

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drcraigsoaries/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100080278159532