One of the most exciting parts of my job as the Front Desk Administrator at the SSAC is getting to know a wide variety of people, and finding out what brings them joy. Well, if the huge smiles and enthusiastic comments I’ve heard in the past couple of days are any indication, the sold-out “Souled Out” Band’s show in the auditorium on Saturday, August 22nd was nothing short of spectacular!
There was a lot of buzz about this band even before the tickets went on sale, and the phone was ringing off the hook with people asking if we still had any left. I checked them out online, and after seeing their set list and watching a couple of videos, knew that this was going to be something truly unique. I made sure to get my tickets early, and let my friends know about it. I also noticed that their sax player was Bill Abbott, who played on my CD many years ago. ( I hoped I might get a chance to say “Hi”).
As soon as they started playing the first few notes on Saturday, people literally ran to the dancefloor. The setlist was absolutely perfect for our venue – it transported us back to our youth, and we all joyfully sang along as we danced, almost non-stop, for hours. It was such a beautiful thing to both witness, and experience.
I had asked one of the band members the day before if they might be playing “September” (my favourite Earth, Wind & Fire song ) and he assured me they would.
They did not disappoint! For those of you that weren’t able to make it, they also played some Stevie Wonder, O’Jays, Chicago, Lighthouse ( those of us from Ontario remember ) Gladys Knight and the Pips, and even threw in some funky Bruno Mars. Their Motown Medley was amazing!
The vocalists were all fantastic, as were the musicians, and it was clear that not only did they really like each other, but they all LOVED doing what they are doing. They engaged with the audience, and made us all feel a part of something very special. We are all hoping that we’ll have the pleasure of having Souled Out back at the SSAC one day – I personally think this was the best band I have seen since moving to the Sunshine Coast!
Oh, and I did get to speak with my former sax player Bill, after the show, which was an added bonus – it was great to have a chat after all this time.
What a fabulous night!
