The Soul Session to celebrate Jazz, R&B, and Neo-Soul at Rockwell Theater

The Rockwell Theater at BAIMS. | Laura Bailey

By Laura Bailey

Downtown Live, in partnership with Paradigm Arts & Culture Foundation Inc., will present “The Soul Session: A Night of Live Music & Art” on Saturday, Jan. 18, 2025, at the historic Rockwell Theater in Bristol. 

This inaugural event, part of Paradigm’s “In My Element” series, will showcase the essence of jazz, R&B, and neo-soul music, offering an immersive cultural experience for the community.

“We believe that the arts have the power to inspire, unite, and transform communities,” said Arianna Therriault, Arts & Culture Supervisor at Downtown Live. “We are proud to partner with Paradigm Arts & Culture Foundation to present The Soul Session as a celebration of culture and creativity in Bristol.”

The event, which will run from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m., features live performances from a dynamic mix of local and regional talent, including vocalists, instrumentalists, spoken word artists, and visual creators. Attendees can look forward to a fusion of musical genres, blending the improvisational energy of jazz, the storytelling traditions of R&B, and the smooth, soulful grooves of neo-soul.

In addition to the musical performances, The Soul Session will also host a silent art auction featuring original works by Connecticut-based artists. The auction aims to support the local arts community and raise funds for future initiatives led by Paradigm Arts & Culture Foundation; a nonprofit organization dedicated to elevating diverse artistic and cultural expressions. 

“The Soul Session is more than just a concert, it’s a movement celebrating the power of the arts to bring people together, tell meaningful stories, and foster cultural appreciation,” says Maxine Bowden, Event Curator at Paradigm Arts & Culture Foundation. “We’re excited to present an evening where music, art, and community converge in a powerful way.”

The evening will kick off at 5 p.m. with an art gallery viewing and silent auction, followed by the concert at 6 p.m. Tickets for the event are available for $35 at DowntownLiveCT.com.

The Soul Session will also feature interactive audience experiences, including giveaways, mic toss, and opportunities to engage with the artists and performers throughout the evening.

Downtown Live at the Rockwell Theater provides live entertainment and community-driven events while enhancing the vibrant arts scene in Connecticut. Its mission is to offer accessible spaces for artistic expression, supporting both emerging and established talent across diverse genres.

For more information and to purchase tickets, please visit www.Downtownlivect.com/listing/the-soul-session/


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About the Author

Laura Bailey
Photographer and photojournalist living in Bristol Connecticut

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