'Soul of America' in Memphis
Among the Independence Day celebrations this weekend, at least one event will honor the red, white and blues.
"The Soul of America '09" party on Saturday at the Downtown venue Stop 345 (345 Madison) brings together a lineup of some of the city's best blues and R&B performers, past and present. The event was organized by local Web developer and music enthusiast Ross Gohlke as a showcase for some of his favorite local artists.
R&B singer and impresario Tonya Dyson is among acts taking the stage at "Soul of America '09" on Saturday at Stop 345.
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"There's so many good singers out there, I'd like to give all of them a shot at a wider audience," says Gohlke, who recently moved back to Memphis after several years. "As to why I'm doing this show now: This is Memphis patriotism. This is our export to the world."
Scheduled to appear at the show are:
The Hollywood Allstars: A Memphis blues institution for more than 30 years, the Allstars were the original house band at Wild Bill's. These days the group is led by vocalist and drummer "Big" Don Valentine, son of founding bass player Calvin Valentine.
Joyce Henderson: A power singer in the tradition of her fellow Chicago belter Koko Taylor, Henderson moved here in 2000 and has been a regular at B.B. King's Blues Club since 2002, earning the moniker "The Diva of Beale Street."
Soul singer Willie Covington is a Memphis native who made his mark as vocalist for the '70s funk band Galaxy.
R&B singer and impresario Tonya Dyson is a former member of the duo Men-Nefer and a leading promoter.
Nate Dogg: Not to be confused with the rapper of the same name, this Nate Dogg is a well-respected blues singer best known for his work with the funky supergroup the Memphis Connection that features members of the Hi Rhythm Section.
The Hookup, aka Eric Hermeyer: One of the few remaining vinyl-only deejays in town, the Hookup is steeped in classic and obscure funk and blues. He hosts his own show -- "In The Basement" -- on WEVL FM 89.9 and is longtime co-host of soul nights at the Hi-Tone.
Gohlke hopes the event will turn into a regular soul night at the venue. But in the meantime, he says, with free, secure parking included in the ticket price, the party is a bonus for soul music fans who were planning to catch the annual July 4th fireworks display in nearby Tom Lee Park.
"People can come early, pay to park, and take the trolley down to the river to see the fireworks," he says. "Then they can come back here and party the rest of the night and their car is right there."
"The Soul of America '09"
Saturday from 10 p.m. to 2 a.m. at Stop 345, 345 Madison Ave. Tickets are $15 at the door, $10 in advance. Advance tickets are available at the Shangri-La Records (1916 Madison, cash only) and online at boomhaus.com. VIP tickets are also available for $100, including valet parking, complimentary drinks, and food.
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