Friday, December 23, 2022

Doors open: 7 pm
Event begins: 8 pm

 

 

Celebrate the holidays at our free, fun, community Holiday Soul Music Jam!  

BridgeCity Soul - Soul Band, Dance Band, Funk Band is not just the brainchild of Ramsey Embick but the dream of everyone in the band. Soul and R&B music must rank among the most unique of American music with its pulsing beat, soul-stirring vocals, and compelling message! BridgeCity Soul has 6 members all steeped in this idiom. 

Eddie Wright - a man of pure soul who began singing in church and performed with “Men of Hope” before embarking on a more public career in the Portland Soul/R&B scene. 

Mary Minnieweather-Tucker a Portland Oregon native uses gospel singing roots to uplift, inspire, and captivate the hearts of her audience. Coming from a heavily musical family and a cousin to the late Linda Hornbuckle, she is destined for musical success. Recently emerging into the R&B scene, she has had the pleasure of working with some of Portland’s leading musicians and vocalists.
Orester "Rusty" Cox has played and toured with Grammy award-winning Dazz Band and performed on the tonight show, and played with Keyboardist Roger Smith from Tower of Power. Played with local artists Andy Stokes, Calvin Walker, Linda Hornbuckle, Cool'r, Linn, as well as studio sessions with Keyboardist Wayne Henderson and vocalist Laura Ivancie. Performed in Japan, China, and Canada. 

Guitar wizard Doug Lewis has been an integral member of all things R&B in Portland for decades performing with Pleasure, Chaka Kahn, Linda Hornbuckle, and Andy Stokes.

Randy Star on bass and Vocals holding down the pocket is a long-time pillar of the Portland area funk scene. 

Ramsey Embick, leader, on keys is an Oregon native who started his first soul band in high school and never looked back. Band leader for the Pointer Sisters in the ’80s, also worked on projects with Jennifer Holiday, Gladys Knight, The Whispers, Gerald Levert, Rene & Angela, Michael Jackson, The Commodores, Bobby Womack, anyway, you get the idea. . The point is this is the music that ignites the spirit in all of us because this is the music we all love.

Ian J. Knighton:
Lyricist, songwriter, psalmist, playwright, worship leader, recording and performing artist, vocal coach, and director. These few descriptive words describe Ian J. Knighton; to sum it up he’s “Smooth As Silk”. 

Knighton has been singing since the age of four in churches, talent shows, programs, and major competitions all across the East coast as well as internationally. 

Knighton is a trained operatic tenor and nationally renowned musical trendsetter, singing in six languages. 

In preparation for this present time, he has been named Georgia NATS’s Association's 2nd Operatic professional graduate student in 2006.

He has received four National School Choral Awards. He has been a featured soloist for the governor and legislative board of Georgia. In 2008, Knighton was a featured artist on the revered gospel label, Tyscot Records as a select new artist for their online showcase. 

Knighton has been named one of BET's Top 20 Semi-Finalists to Sunday Best Season 2.

Brika de Tar:
Singer/songwriter, Brika de Tar, 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 and sultry and transparent vocal vision of 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 until the last note she sings. 

Be on the lookout for Brika de Tars' highly anticipated debut album Recycled Love! 

Tracy Jenkins:
TRACY JENKINS, A "Pure", powerful, and soulful gospel vocalist, inspired by the iconic singers Aretha Franklin, Chaka Kahn, and Whitney Houston.

Singing in church choirs from a young age she easily moves between music genres effortlessly, delivering memorable performances you won't soon forget. 
Her vocal stylings are truly inspiring and guaranteed to bring fans to their feet!

Nafisaria Mathews:
Nafisaria Mathews is a singer/guitarist from the North Portland area. She started singing at a very young age alongside her mother, the late great pianist Janice Scroggins. She has graced many stages with many amazing artists including Esperanza Spalding, Liv Warfield, The doo doo funk all stars, Portland Cello Project, and last but not least, her big sister Arietta Ward’s

Local non-profits, Black United Fund, Saturday Samaritans, Elevate Unity Inc, Stronger Together, Historic Alberta Abbey.

 

This concert is FREE ADMISSION. The Donation Tickets being sold come with food and beverage items for you to enjoy during the show. 

 

   Free Concert Suggested Donation:  $15
   Includes host appetizer + beer or wine

   VIP Dinner Donation:  $25
   Includes a prix-fixe meal & host cocktail
   Sponsors: Kettle One & Crown Royal

   Dinner: Garlic Stuffed Brisket Bourbon St. Chicken w/7-Cheese Mac & Collard Greens