Brooklyn, NY—-The Shindellas opened the show at the Brooklyn Steel. They possess a profound appreciation for the historical significance of Black women harmonizing to create a singular sound, a tradition deeply ingrained in the fabric of pop music. Their music reverberates with this legacy, infusing each verse and harmony with a rich tapestry of influences. Drawing from the gospel-inspired vocal tradition of En Vogue and the genre-defying energy of The Pointer Sisters, The Shindellas craft songs that pay homage to the timeless allure of Black girl groups from the 1960s to the 1990s while forging a fresh, soulful sound that transcends generations.
Formed in Nashville in 2017, the trio—comprising Tamara Chauniece, Stacy Johnson, and Kasi Jones—made their debut with the album “Hits That Stick Like Grits” in 2021, offering a captivating blend of spirituality and soulfulness. Now, with their forthcoming sophomore album “Shindo,” The Shindellas embark on a new chapter, marked by profound friendship and musical evolution.
“‘Shindo,’ out Oct. 20, embodies this transformative journey—a testament to love that permeates every track. Across nine songs, The Shindellas showcase the depth of their voices, affirming their status as torchbearers of the Black girl group tradition. Unlike their debut album, which grappled with the uncertainties of 2020, ‘Shindo’ exudes a sense of joy and contentment, inviting listeners to revel in its infectious rhythms and heartfelt lyrics.
Led by hitmakers Chuck Harmony and Claude Kelly, The Shindellas defy industry norms with their sophisticated “New American Soul” sound. Combining Tamara’s gospel roots, Stacy’s experience in commercial jingles, and Kasi’s passion for musical theater, the album serves as a testament to the richness of Black music history.
The lead single, “Last Night Was Good for My Soul,” epitomizes this joyous spirit, propelling listeners on a funky journey of euphoria. The disco-infused track not only captured hearts but also secured a spot on Billboard’s Adult R&B Airplay chart, marking a milestone for the group. They also sang, “Last Night Was Good For My Soul”, “Win My Heart”, “Ooh La La, Zhane’s, “Hey Mr. DJ” and had the crowd bumping to “Juicy”.
As they prepare to share their growth with fans old and new, The Shindellas invite everyone to join in their celebration of love and music. With “Shindo,” they embrace a renewed sense of purpose, eager to spread joy far and wide.
Next on the stage was J. Brown, who stands as a guardian of authentic R&B, proudly representing his hometown of Detroit, the birthplace of Motown. Rooted in a deep reverence for love, both in life and in his craft, this singer-songwriter channels his familial legacy of music, diligently pursuing his dreams of stardom one heartfelt ballad at a time.
Identifying himself as a “young R&B cat,” J .Brown embodies dedication and passion for his craft. As the youngest of five siblings, raised by a preacher father and a musically ambitious mother, he found solace and inspiration in the church choir from a tender age of 8. Influenced by an eclectic mix of icons including Usher, Jay Z, Jimi Hendrix, Nas, and Sting, J.Brown’s music seamlessly blends contemporary R&B with pop sensibilities, captivating audiences with its irresistible allure.
His latest offering, “VIBE,” serves as a tantalizing glimpse into his upcoming sophomore EP, set to drop later this summer. In a city steeped in musical history like Detroit, where the legacy of Motown thrives alongside a vibrant modern music scene, J. Brown emerges as a beacon of timeless musicality, poised to take his place among the illustrious names that have graced The Motor City’s stage.
With his debut album, “Chapter & Verse,” released in 2022, J. Brown showcased his undeniable talent. The album featured the chart-topping single “Don’t Rush,” a collaboration with multi-platinum artist Tank, which soared to #7 on the R&B Billboard chart. Alongside the infectious radio hit “Baby I Can,” J. Brown’s music continues to resonate deeply with listeners, leaving an enduring imprint on their souls. Brown hit the audience with Michael Jackson’s “Rock With You,” “I Just Can’t Love You”, “If You Could See You”, then Brown brought his big brother Raheem Devaughn who rocked out “You”, then Brown serenaded the audience and polished off his night with “My Whole Night”.
With “The Art Of Making Love,” J. Brown sets out on a mission to revive the essence of feel-good music that resonates with those in search of genuine love and connection. His aspiration is to reignite the flames of enduring relationships, infusing his music with a moral compass that transcends transient trends. In an age where superficiality often prevails, J. Brown endeavors to offer music rooted in timeless values, leaving an indelible mark that endures beyond passing fads.
His ultimate goal is for people of all races to recognize his music not only as exceptional but enduring, evoking the spirit of true love and meaningful connections, reminiscent of a bygone era when great music transcended genre boundaries and graced the airwaves of every station. Soon, listeners will bear witness to the fruition of his mission as J. Brown entertains a devoted following with songs destined to withstand the test of time.
October London, the acclaimed singer-songwriter and producer, entered the world on October 17, 1986, in South Bend, Indiana.
Originally named Jared Samuel Erskine, October London was raised in a deeply musical household in South Bend, Indiana. Despite his upbringing, his path to becoming a singer wasn’t always clear. Instead, music seemed to naturally flow through him. At various points, he aspired to pursue careers as diverse as storm chasing, semi-truck driving, creative design for automotive companies—inspired by his love for beautiful cars—and even acting. Throughout his formative years, October attended Winnie the Pooh Pre-School, McKinley Elementary School, and John Adams High School in South Bend.
Contrary to popular belief, October London didn’t acquire his musical prowess through formal training or instruction in various instruments. There were no band practices or summer lessons for piano or guitar. In fact, he couldn’t read sheet music to save his life. Instead, October developed his musical skills by recording and playing back sounds on his boombox in his bedroom. His innate ability to capture sound structure and tone without formal training served as a testament to his raw talent and passion for music.
He blessed the Brooklyn Steel sold-out crowd with songs like; “Make Me Wanna”, “Rollercoaster”, “Mulholland Drive”, “Lover’s Interlude”, “Sensual Conversations”, “Do What You Do”, “Midnight Love Affair” and close the night out with his # 1 hit “Back To Your Place”.
Don’t miss a opportunity to see the rebirth of soul music with October London, J. Brown, and The Shindellas. Make sure you secure your tickets for an unforgettable night of musical magic!
