Café Soul had the Pageant going up on a Tuesday with the succulent lineup that was the best illustration of the variety within the genre that featured Andra Day and Corinne Bailey Rae. There was not a seat to be had – which was a great thing for Café Soul, but a challenge for much of the crowd. However, the show was so good that if they told me I had to stand on my tip toes the whole time, I probably would’ve. The talent started off with St. Louis’ own Tre’G. He talked a little too much, but I was still thrilled with the way he held his own alongside veteran INTERNATIONAL acts – and with nearly all original music mind you. And when he had the nerve to do a cover of Prince’s “Beautiful Ones” to close out the show, I was like “I wish he had been around for the BET Awards tribute,” even though Bilal’s cover of the same song was the saving grace of that segment. But back to this show…I didn’t know what to expect from Corinne based on her outfit. She was giving “Austin Powers: The Spy Who Shagged Me” from her neck to her ankles with a green bell bottom jumper, which was topped off with some “Goldmember” boots. She’s British, so I guess I shouldn’t have been surprised. Never mind her outfit, her wispy voice and soothing melodies were utterly on point! I felt like I was floating on a fluffy cloud thanks to her airy sound and feel good vibe. And Andra Day might not be a household name just yet, but trust that she’s gonna be. She has the look of vintage Etta James. Her voice sounds like the vocal chords of Erykah Badu and Amy Winehouse had a baby and she has a style all her own that pays homage to James, Nina Simone and the early days of unapologetic soul. She even gave a nod to Nina in her set – as she did Kendrick Lamar, Junior Mafia and rock band Queen. You know you are a star when you can roll all that into one package and have folks begging for more!