It’s a movement fueled by one musician’s passion to see soul and R&B come alive in Kansas City.
While attending the recent Ledisi / Robert Glasper Experiment double bill at The Midland, Derick Cunigan was taken aback by the size—or lack thereof—of the gathered crowd.
“I was watching such great talent on the stage, and couldn’t believe more people didn’t show up,” he said. “That’s when I knew I had to do something for the music. I had to do my part for the genre.”
Cunigan wants to introduce KC music aficionados to the sounds and styles he was raised with, while highlighting how the genre continues to evolve and flourish. The revolution begins Friday, June 20 when, backed by a stacked eight-piece band, Cunigan will weave his way through a series of modern-day classics from John Legend, Maxwell Anthony Hamilton, Robert Glasper, and more.
Cunigan aside, here’s the lineup for Soul Revival 1.0:
Keys: Desmond Mason (Shades of Jade, Groove 101)
Keys: Robert Tribitt III (Those Trib Boys Music)
Bass: Kevin Payton (Bill Crain Quartet, Will Crain Trio, New Vintage Big Band)
Guitar: Kirk Scott (Elaine McMilian, Scott Hrabko, Kirk Scott and Trio, JFK)
Drums: Jerod Rivers (Claire and The Crowded Stage, Ashley Jones Band, Vi Tran Band)
Vocals: Ashley Jones (Ashley Jones Band, Ragtime at Theatre in the Park)
Vocals: Bryan Woodson (Mark Hubbard & The Voices, Timothy Wright)
This will be a gathering of some of our area’s most talented vocalists and musicians, making it one of this summer’s “can’t miss” events.
–Miguel Caraballo
Miguel Caraballo is a Puerto Rican who can’t speak Spanish, and the frontman of Kansas City-based rock-soul band, Run With It. He believes the arts can change the world, and loves meeting people who believe the same. If you want to contact him about your world-changing ideas, or simply want to purchase the Rosetta Stone Spanish Edition for him, email Miguel at info@gottarunwithit.com.
Soul Revival 1.0 is today, June 20, in The Orion Room (downstairs at Green Lady Lounge). Doors open at 7:00, show starts at 8:30. $5 cover. Facebook event page.