For the St. Louis American
“St. Louis is missing out on a lot of great music,” says Vanita Applebum, Creator of The Suite Soul Spot. “Growing up with bands like Earth Wind &Fire, it’s hard to adapt to the music that’s being played now. We are starving for good music.”
Through Suite Soul Spot – a monthly concert series highlighting local and national talent on the soul/hip-hop scene at the Old Rock House – Vanita wants to feed St. Louis their daily-recommended allowance of musical “vegetables”.
Tomorrow night, the soul continues with Eric Roberson and Wild Mann. Although not yet a household name in the industry, Roberson has nearly 15 years of experience on the music scene and a devoted fan base among soul music connoisseurs.
“He’s the vanguard and pioneer of independent artists,” Applebum said about Roberson. He’s written countless hits, “Emotional Rollercoaster” for Vivian Green, “Mary Go Round” and “Previous Cats” for Musiq, just to name a few. He has been nominated for BET’s “BETJ Cool Like That” Award.
Roberson illustrates the caliber of talent that Vanita has brought to St. Louis through the Suite Soul Spot since its inception in December of 2007. In addition to national artists like Keite Young and Peter Hadar, St. Louis artists like Nikko Smith, Nite Owl and Teresa Jenee have been provided a venue to showcase their sound.
Applebum, who is the event planner for the International Soul Music Summit in Atlanta and manger for St. Louis’s own singer/songwriter Wildmann, says that Exposing these artists and building a solid fan base is the primary goal of the Suite Soul Spot.
“Independent artists are making a lot of noise‘” Vanita says. And through the Suite Soul Spot she is trying to provide St. Louis audiences with an opportunity to sit back and listen.
Suite Soul Spot featuring Eric Roberson and Wild Mann will take place tomorrow night (Tuesday, April 1st) at the Old Rock House. Doors open at 9 p.m. and the Show begins at 9:30 p.m. D.J. Needles will be on the ones and twos. For tickets, call (314) 588-0505. Visit www.myspace.com/vanitaapplebum for more information.
