Saturday, September 3, 2022
Community Vendor Village: 6 pm (in Ballroom Only)
Doors open: 7 pm
Event begins: 8 pm
Special Guests:
Music Nonprofit Elevate Unity hosts its 1st annual Heritage Soulfest to commemorate the history of the original NE urban Black community and its importance to our city!
Saturday features 2021 breakout artist Brika de Tar & Onyx Sol with her talented vocal cohorts Claire Newrones and Zaria Williams in a fun R&B tribute to remember.
Also added to the show performing some of her latest tracks is a shining star in the making, vocalist Tiana Versie Jean White, plus a special guest performance by spiritual vocal acrobat Mr. Ian Knighton, taking the city by storm one song at a time.
Brika de Tar, Singer-Songwriter
Began her singing career over 15 yrs ago, performing in various venues throughout the Nashville music scene as well as in Portland, OR performing at various festivals and venues.
Brika's vocal vibe is fashioned from the world of R&B, Neo Soul, Jazz, and the genres that we all love the most. Brika's undeniable energy, sultry and transparent vocal vision on life and love will take you on a much-needed journey. She has dedicated herself to creating an atmosphere in which you can feel the vulnerability of her soul's deep love for the art of music from the first and unto the last note she sings.
Be on the lookout for Brika de Tars' highly anticipated debut album Recycled Love!
Claire Newrones, Vocalist
Claire Newrones is new to the Portland music scene, but is no stranger to singing and performing. She grew up singing at various competitions, county fairs, and being a part of various performance and travel groups. Most recently she spent 2 years in a college singing group that performed all over Southern California and New York City. Claire's vocal style is inspired by the world of R&B, soul, and pop, and her love and passion for music and people is apparent with every note she sings.
Tiana Versie Jean White, Vocalist
Every generation has a musical oracle, one that points the way to the complexities of living a purposeful life in these changing times. Tiana “Versie Jean” White is such an artist, and genuine believability is the hallmark of her music. Throughout her self-revealing compositions, her music speaks to a simplistic, yet profound storytelling process, reminiscent of the great songwriters of the past.
"Versie Jean” has created magic in her music, and a magnetic attraction that binds the soul of the listener to hear them over and over again. It is our pleasure to introduce you to the sound and the soul of the next great Singer-Songwriter from the Pacific Northwest; the genuinely, compelling music of “Versie Jean.” Enjoy!
Ian Knighton, Vocalist
Ian is a two-time award-winning artist according to Sacramento’s award council. Ian has been accepted in every preliminary casting for all the reality tv singing shows. His great aspiration is to be the next voice of BROADWAY. Ian says in regards to his accomplishments, “Without Divine spirituality and a peculiar anointing I would be like the next person, just a regular with a nice voice for singing with no power.”
Torry Ward, Bassist
Torry Ward is no stranger to the Portland music scene. Torry is an exceptionally dynamic bassist and his professional experience extends from back in the 80s. Torry performs with undeniable musical inspirations such as Eldon T Jones and N'Touch, The LaRhonda Steele Band, Ronnie Wright, Chris Turner, and now the highly anticipated Brika de Tar & The OnYx Sol Band.
The Elevate Unity Benefit Music Series is a collaborative effort created from the necessity to support the arts, reconnect our community, and promote unity through the healing message of music! Our focus is to advocate for inclusion, and equality, while finding help to support our local venues, staff, gig workers, and musicians from the devastating effects of our industry shut down.
Hosts include:
Soundstage Events and Southern Grill Catering.
Supported by:
Music Millennium, the Portland Skanner, the Black United Fund, Music Portland, Alberta Abbey Inc., and Saturday Samaritans Homeless nonprofit.
Elevate Unity nonprofit organizations we support:
Black United Fund, Cascade Blues Association, Music Portland, Leukemia Lymphoma Foundation, Ladies of the Rose, Kboo Radio, PDX Jazz, Portland Columbia Symphony, Saturday Samaritans, Friends of Noise, and Portland Urban League.
Alberta Abbey features a full bar and superb Creole Cajun food from Southern Grill Catering.
Tickets:
General Admission - $20
VIP + Dinner - $35
VIP Southern Grill Dinner Special Includes:
Bourbon St. Chicken and Smoked Pork / Garlic Green Beans / 7 Cheese Mac
The Vendor Village will be available in the Ballroom before the show and is FREE to attend.
All-ages welcome.
Tickets are non-refundable.