Soul music rings out at Buskirk-Chumley

The IU Soul Revue was greeted with an explosive standing ovation by the crowded Buskirk-Chumley Theater Saturday. Tyron Cooper, interim director of Soul Revue, worked the crowd as Soul Revue rocked its way through the performance with heavy instrumentals, a slow-motion movement sequence and dark hazy mood lighting.

“I really appreciate the group’s theatrics,” said Keith McCutchen, director of the African American Choral Ensemble. “They’re putting on a wonderful presentation.”

The stage burst to life with lights and action when the vocalists paraded down stage in sequinned red, black and silver outfits, jumping the band right into Earth, Wind & Fire’s popular song, “Let’s Groove.”

“Everybody’s having a great time and that’s the main importance,” said Charles Sykes, executive director of the African American Arts Institute.

The performance attracted a large, diverse audience of many ages and ethnicities.
“Soul speaks to sisterhood, brotherhood and all humankind,” Cooper said. “It speaks to all of us, black or white.”

IU senior and former Soul Revue member Everett Scisney, said he was amused with how different the show was in comparison to years when Cooper was not director.
“It’s really good and very empowering,” Scisney said.

Cooper narrated throughout the show about all of the ways in which “soul speaks.” After having partied to “Let’s Groove,” Sly and the Family Stone’s “Dance to the Music” and Kool and the Gang’s “Funky Stuff,” Cooper suggested that the audience take a seat.

“There is simply no way that you can’t get up and dance to this,” sophomore and prior Soul Revue member, Andy Sterneman, said. “This is such a great time!”
Cooper then explained to the audience members how soul music goes much deeper than just enjoyment.

“Soul music makes commentary on the pains and struggles of African-Americans,” Cooper said. “It also expresses the self-determination and racial pride.”
This speech was soon followed by a female voice duet, which lead the band in a poignant rendition of Billie Holiday’s “Strange Fruit.”

“They’re so spot on and high energy,” graduate student Johanna Moffitt said. “I never miss a show.”

In addition to featuring vocals and dance, Soul Revue also paid commendable respects to its individual members on instruments.

Senior Soul Revue member Nathan Mensah made an example of how soul music can speak to life changing conditions, even without lyrics, by playing a trumpet solo. The crowd went wild.

“Everybody has obviously put in a lot of time and effort and are all very passionate about their work. The performers are so much fun to watch,” said technical supervisor of the African American Arts Institute Johnny Campbell.