In its first live performance since the COVID-19 pandemic, IU Soul Revue made its return to Indiana University East at Lingle Court at the Student Events Center on March 10.

IU Soul Revue performs at the IU East Student Events Center on March 10. It was the first live performance since the pandemic, and the second visit to the Richmond campus for the ensemble. Additional photos and videos from behind the scenes can be found on social media for IU East at @iueast and for the African American Arts Institute @iuaaai.

Throughout this year, IU Soul Revue is celebrating its 50th anniversary with a nod to Al Green’s “Let’s Stay Together.” IU Soul Revue is the nation’s first and only university credit-bearing Black popular music ensemble since 1971.

Directed by IU East and Soul Revue alumnus James A. Strong, Jr., the ensemble kicked off its high-energy performance at IU East with the well-known classic, before bringing more songs into the set from artists such as Stevie Wonder, Ashanti, Chris Brown, and Earth, Wind & Fire. Strong received his B.S. in Business Administration from IU East in 2013. He is an Indianapolis native, a renowned bassist, musical director, and producer.

The ensemble is celebrating its golden anniversary with a “series of exciting virtual and live events and activities designed to engage past and present members of our community, to recognize the contributions of those who continue the Soul Revue legacy, and to tell this incredible story.”

The performance at IU East brought a crowd of over 250 attendees. During early ticket sales, the campus was still under COVID-19 restrictions on crowd attendance and seating available, which were recently lifted March 4 along with mask guidelines across the state and IU.

James A. Strong Jr., director of IU Soul Revue, addresses the crowd at IU East. Strong is an IU East and Soul Revue alumnus.

Denise Smith, dean of the IU East School of Business and Economics, attended the event.

“The Soul Revue was a great, high-energy show,” Smith said. “The members were gifted musicians who engaged the audience throughout the performance. It was a wonderful evening of classic soul music and fun.”

The concert was part of IU East’s Lively Arts series, presented by First Bank Richmond in partnership with WCTV. For upcoming Lively Arts events and art exhibitions, visit iue.edu/livelyarts.

About IU Soul Revue
This year marks the Soul Revue’s 50th anniversary and culminates in a weekend celebration and concert at the historic Madam Walker Legacy Center in Indianapolis, April 22-23. Tickets are available online.

The audience at IU Soul Revue watches the performance from Lingle Court of the Student Events Center.

IU Soul Revue is one of three performance ensembles managed by the African American Arts Institute that are offered as courses for academic credit through the Department of African American and African Diaspora Studies at Indiana University Bloomington.

IU Soul Revue is famous for dynamic performances of R&B, soul, funk, and contemporary Black popular music delivered by its commanding vocalists, powerful horn line, and tight rhythm section.