“Can’t you hear them singing now?” Café Soul co-founder Nichol Stevenson said. “‘All This Love’ … is waiting for you.”
The title of the DeBarge “Quiet Storm” classic alone automatically prompts 1980s babies to burst into song.
The melody might even inspire a jaunt down memory lane for those of with more than two siblings (and a cousin or two within walking distance) who created their own group in the likeness of the biggest family pop culture phenomenon next to the Jackson Dynasty.
On Saturday Café Soul will be celebrating their sixth anniversary in a special way – please pardon the accidental DeBarge song title insertions.
Chico DeBarge, the baby of the family, will be headlining their year six celebration at the Coliseum.
Not officially a member of the Band, Chico is a star in his own right thanks to urban radio hits “Iggin Me,” “Love Still Good” and “No Guarantee,” which were among the early hits of the Neo Soul era of the late 1990s.
He was able to carve out his own niche in the industry despite having two sets of siblings with major presence in urban music that preceded him two generations before via DeBarge and the 1970s soul group Switch (which was led by his late older brother Bobby).
But on Saturday in St. Louis, the DeBarge musical legacy will be temporarily merged thanks to Chico sharing the stage with his sister Bunny and brother Randy.
It will be interesting to see – and hear – how Chico’s tenor voice blends with the trademark falsettos that made DeBarge and Switch household names in the black music genre.
When it all began for Café Soul, founders Stevenson, Angela Brown and Rochelle “Coco Soul” Walker (who moved on from the organization two years ago to focus on her singing career) brought fresh and new live entertainment opportunities for St. Louis audiences and gave local talent a performance platform through their monthly open mic series.
They gave name recognition through powerhouse performances by locals such as Wildmann, Teresa Jenee, Theresa Payne, Tiffany Elle and Tendai (who has hosted Café Soul since Walker’s departure), lending their stage to both rising music stars and those looking to re-emerge.
K-Jon, Syleena Johnson, Al B. Sure, Case, P.J. Morton have all graced the Café Soul stage as featured performers over the course of their six years.
“I wanted us to be a landmark – a stamp here in St. Louis,” Stevenson said.
As they press forward, their legacy is top of mind – and the ladies ultimately see themselves as a successful national brand bringing the best in old and new soul to eager audiences. The vision board for Café Soul includes its own venue and close ties with other live music hotspots around the nation.
But as they mark another milestone of survival on the fickle local music scene, Café Soul’s excitement lies in the once in a lifetime experience they will be providing guests – and hardcore DeBarge fans.
“Together for the first time,” Stevenson said with sheer excitement for the upcoming celebration. “One night, one stage – this is a don’t miss event.”
Café Soul’s 6th Anniversary Celebration starring Chico DeBarge with special guests Bunny and Randy DeBarge place on Saturday, November 24 at the Coliseum (2619 Washington). Doors open at 7:30 p.m. For more information about the show or Café Soul, call (314) 314.504.7405.
