Soul Revue of Indiana University's African American Arts Institute will present its annual spring concert

BLOOMINGTON, Ind. -- The IU Soul Revue of Indiana University's African American Arts Institute will present its annual spring concert on Saturday (April 23) at 8 p.m. at the Buskirk-Chumley Theater, located in downtown Bloomington at 114 E. Kirkwood Ave.

IU Soul Revue director Nathanael Fareed Mahluli said the theme for this year's show is "basement party."

"Friends and family show up with a set of records -- both LPs and 45s," he reminisced. "They take turns setting the groove and letting everybody know what the real hip song used to be. Dance-a-longs, sing-a-longs, and then there's the "Purple Hour" when lights are out and it's time for the children to go bed."

Mahluli, the IU Soul Revue director since 2005, promises a show featuring a vibe and vivacity like none other. "It will definitely pick you up from your seat and move your feet," he said.

Mahluli is an accomplished performer, educator, composer, producer and sound engineer who has contributed to the Sanfoka African Dance Company conferences and to recordings such as the charitable and poetic "Write to Heal." He has performed and recorded with such artists as Erykah Badu, members of BET's International Association of African American Music, the Stanley Paul Orchestra and many others.

IU Soul Revue Photo by Eugene Siew

The IU Soul Revue is one of three ensembles of IU's African American Arts Institute, housed in the Neal-Marshall Black Culture Center. AAAI is the only collegiate arts program with an emphasis in African American performance traditions through credit-bearing ensembles.

Over the years, the AAAI has made a vital contribution to the cultural diversity of IU by preserving, promoting and celebrating African American arts traditions. Its executive director is Charles E. Sykes, and it is a unit of the Office of the Vice President for Diversity, Equity and Multicultural Affairs.

Tickets are $20 for adults, $10 for children and IU students with valid ID (limit 2 per IU I.D.). Tickets are available at the Sunrise Box Office, 114 E. Kirkwood Ave., phone 812-323-3020.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE April 18, 2011 For more information and a calendar of AAAI events, visit the AAAI website at www.indiana.edu/~aaai.