Tomorrow, April 16 from 7:00-9:30 p.m., The Detroit Institute of Music Education (DIME) will play host to a benefit event so cool, it only happens in the D. It’s called The Detroit Soul Summit.
Hosted by Detroit-based drummer/songwriter, educator, and soul music enthusiast Drew Schultz, this unique event is a must see for music lovers of all ages and genres.
The summit is part of the continuation of Shultz’s “Back to Class” series, a project he’s been working on for several years. For the first installment of “Back to Class,” Schultz wrote, produced, and recorded 17 catchy soul/motown style tunes, then calling in soul music legends to perform on each track. This star-studded list of performers includes the Four Tops, Funk Brothers, Dennis Coffey, Lenny Pickett of SNL/Tower of Power, as well as each of the guests on the Soul Summit panel. In addition to creating a wonderful collection of songs, Schultz also donated 50 percent of the sales of each record to music education programs for Detroit Public Schools. You can listen to and purchase a copy of that album here.
The summit promises to be packed with both lively entertainment and thought provoking discussion. Per Schultz’s Web site, the all-star list of panelists for the evening is slated to include Abdul “Duke” Fakir (Four Tops), Reginald Torian Sr. (The Impressions), Detroit Soul Ambassador Melvin Davis, Northern Soul legend Spyder Turner, and Pat Lewis, whose distinctive vocals have been heard alongside Isaac Hayes, George Clinton, and Aretha Franklin.
According to Schultz’s blog, “the evening will begin with artists discussing the social, political, and musical legacy of classic soul, Motown, and R&B music, building to a finale with these soul legends performing selections of their influential repertoire with DIME students, uniting generations of musicians and fans.”
During the time Detroit continues to undergo massive growth and change, this event will provide a unique insight into our cultural history from those who were at the forefront of a musical movement.
Don’t miss this one of kind opportunity to engage in an important discussion, and catch intimate performances by some of the greatest the world has ever seen.
The event starts at 7 p.m. There is a $10.00 suggested donation at the door, which grants you access to the event and a copy of the latest Back to Class Single, “Fairy Tale”, featuring Mark Scott. One hundred percent of the proceeds raised at the door and from the silent auction will be donated to Detroit Public School’s music programming.
VIP ticket packages are also available here.
Event Details:
BACK TO CLASS: SOUL SUMMIT
Discussing the social and musical impact of Classic Soul
Thursday, April 16, 7 p.m.
Hosted at the Detroit Institute of Music Education, 1265 Griswold St., Detroit, Michigan
$10 suggested donation
Benefiting the music programs of the Detroit Public Schools