Soul Revue's concert moves, amazes

The Buskirk-Chumley Theatre was alive with excitement Saturday when the IU Soul Revue took the stage for its annual spring concert. The event was a special one, as the Revue celebrated its 30th anniversary. The house was packed, the atmosphere was jovial and there was a buzz of anticipation as people found their seats. \nWhen the lights went down, the buzz turned into a full-scale roar. The show opened with a full band onstage, complete with keyboards and a brass section. Director Tyron Cooper charmed the audience as the guitarist, bandleader and emcee for the evening. After a short introduction, the group got things started with a funkdafied version of "It's Your Thing."\nThe crowd erupted as the singers took the stage dressed in white, the ladies sporting matching afro-wigs. The performance was phenomenal, and the energy onstage was powerful, crowned by Cooper playing the guitar with his teeth. \nNext the group tried to slow things down a bit with some more soulful ballads, but the effort was to no avail. Nothing could slow this group down. \nVocalist Alaina Williams rocked the house with her rendition of "No Way." She epitomized the classic Gospel-soul songstress and gave new meaning to the term "feelin' it." Williams didn't just feel the music; she embodied it. She kicked off her shoes, let herself go and allowed her astonishing vocal talent to shine through. Her energy alone was enough to bring the crowd to its feet. \nThen the guys took the stage, reminding me of a Motown group in the classic vein of the Temptations and the Four Tops. The men harmonized beautifully on the song "If You Think You're Lonely Now, Wait Until Tonight," punctuating the ballad with their smooth demeanor and slick choreography. \nThe backing band was also shining in its own right. It sounded the way a house band at a Memphis blues club might -- tight, in sync and perfectly in the groove. Cooper drove the guy's song to new heights as he mimicked the emotion in the words with his melodic guitar solo. He truly made the instrument sing.\nThe show continued in this fashion -- the ladies doing a number, then the guys -- for a few more songs. Overall, it was a celebration of the choir as a whole but also proved to be a showcase for each member's individual talents and style. Each number seemed better than the last, and the crowd loved every minute of it. \nI felt transported. At times I was in church listening to a gospel choir, then it was a Motown performance, then a rock concert, then a sultry, elegant jazz club. To me, music is best when it can take you on a journey, and by intermission, I was worn out from my extensive travels. \nOne of the highlights of the evening was a guest appearance by dancer Marisha Griffin. Her moves were tribal, soulful and all-around lovely. The band fit into a groove, and Griffin simply went with it. It was a beautiful touch and the perfect break in the monotony.\nOther memorable performances included an exquisite Stevie Wonder song, "Mi Amour." Vocalist Darryl Watkins brought the crowd to its feet with his smooth vocals, and the room shook with the emotional power behind his voice. Also, the show featured an original composition by keyboardist Alan Bacon. The song was a beautiful duet featuring vocalists Stephani Parker and Brian Kelly. It also proved the multi-faceted talent the Soul Revue has to offer and crowned an evening of superb performances. \nThe show ended with a million thank yous and shout-outs. Cooper then brought alums on stage for a stellar performance of The Parliament's "One Nation Under A Groove," coming full circle and ending the evening on a funkdafied tip.