'Soul Sessions' at District Live filled with Georgia-grown talent, nostalgic grooves

Maybe those 1970’s soul sounds of Marvin Gaye and Stevie Wonder get you in the groovin’ mood. Or it’s Michael Jackson jams of the '80s that activate your moon-walking legs. Perhaps, it’s the sultry earthiness of Erykah Badu and Jill Scott that really make you sway and let your inner diva out. If funk, soul, R&B and hip hop are what your body craves, then “Soul Sessions” is everything you need.

This Friday, Oct. 20, District Live, 400 W. River Street, hosts “Soul Sessions,” a showcase of Georgia-grown talent, featuring some of Savannah’s finest entertainers. Tickets start at $25.

Behind-the-scenes mover and shaker, Delandrian Aikens, is the connective force aligning, once again, a range of top-notch talent. “Soul Sessions” marks Aikens’s third collaboration with District Live, as earlier this year he coordinated the highly anticipated and sold out “Father’s Day Gospel Brunch.” Then, last month he delivered a sold-out encore of the brunch show. Aikens anticipates the same for “Soul Sessions.” Similar in musical scope, this one, though, focuses less on gospel and more on dressing up and getting down.

“In curating these performances, I wanted to start with locals first,” said Aikens. “We have world-class talent here, people that’s been turning this soil and making these bricks for years, so to speak, in our vibrant music scene, and I want these shows to shine a light on what’s here. We are doing a range of popular songs, an homage to the history of Black music, and the talent really speaks to the high level of musicians here. The night is all about moving and grooving, and tickets are already moving. I have no doubt they’ll all go.”

Born and raised in Savannah, Aikens has been active in the local gospel music community most of his life, which is how he knows many of the players in the 12-piece ensemble backing the evening’s featured performers. In 2004, while Aikens was directing the campus gospel choir at Savannah State University, he met actress, writer, comedian and recording artist, Patrice Lovely, who hosts the “Soul Sessions” performance.

Patrice Lovely

Lovely, who was living in Atlanta was in town to perform. She enlisted the help of Aikens with some of her show’s music, and from that first collaboration, they became fast friends and creative co-conspirators. Since the early 2000s, Lovely has also worked with Tyler Perry, Universoul Circus, performed in numerous touring theatre productions, and most recently, landed a deal with Tubi to produce two shows of her own. “Ma’s House” and “Ma’s Great Adventure” debut their second seasons later this fall with Aikens contributing as music director on both productions.

Lovely, who still resides in Atlanta, is looking forward to returning to the Hostess City and spreading her signature message of “love, light and laughter.” She also sees her role as host as an opportunity to boost as-of-yet undiscovered talent.

“God has given us a gift to bring smiles and lighten the load, and that’s a part of this show,” said Lovely. “And I’m telling you, Savannah has just as much talent as Atlanta, and I’m so happy to be part of this showcase. I’m looking forward to meeting new talent. I can support them and help get them in front of new audiences, and that’s also a blessing and gift.”

Willie Jones

Featured performer, Willie Jones, brings his prowess on keyboards and guitar to the ensemble. Jones grew up with Aikens as an older brother figure and has worked with him for years in church musical groups. He plays regularly at the Chocolate Bar in Pooler and has been the music director for American Idol winner, Candice Glover, for nearly a decade. Every Sunday, Jones plays organ at Christ Memorial Baptist Church. He sees the evening as a way to make memories that will last a lifetime.

“This really is a showcase of Savannah talent. My brother-in-law is on drums, and my little brother, Rufus, is also playing keys,” emphasized Jones. “We all know each other from playing music in and around town for years, and this opportunity to shine is a chance to fill the room with love, laughter and joy. It’s like you can be a superstar for one night, like dressing up for the BET awards, and remember it for the rest of your life. I’m most looking forward to seeing people on the dance floor smiling and having a good time.”

Sharese Janay and Cyrenthia Threat

Other featured performers include up-and-coming vocalist Sharese Janay, who’s been compared to soulful powerhouses Patti Labelle and Luther Vandross. In the past few years, she’s had a string of R&B singles receiving airplay on radio stations across the South East. R&B artist, Cyrenthia Threat, also featured, grew up in Hinesville and credits heavy-hitters Anita Baker, Prince and Erykah Badu as signature influences in her work. She leads a band “Cyrent & the Gents” that performs throughout South Carolina, Georgia and North Florida.

The night boasts a red carpet with revered Hostess City icon, radio maven and Savannah State graduate, April Dobbs, directing the entrance. “Soul Sessions” also overlaps with Savannah State’s Homecoming weekend, and Aikens considers the show complementary to the events happening on campus.

“This show is really aimed at the grown and sexy, folks in their 30s and 40s that want to have a good time, responsibly, maybe they’re a little nostalgic. We’re thinking some Savannah State Homecomers will add this to their plans, too,” mused Aikens. “I do know that the 12 people on that stage, people I’ve known from church and gospel, are about to deliver some of the most amazing talent this city has to offer. I’m looking forward to the actual show, because this curation truly is top-notch, Savannah’s finest.”

If you go >>

What: “Soul Sessions at District Live”

When: Friday, October 20, doors at 7 p.m., show at 8 p.m.

Where: District Live, Plant Riverside District, 400 W. River Street, Savannah

Tickets: Starting at $25

This article originally appeared on Savannah Morning News: Patrice Lovely Willie Jones Sharese Janay headline Soul Sessions District Live Savannah