Soul Kitchen in downtown Mobile welcomes a double bill of soul-influenced acts on Saturday, Oct. 6, when singer-songwriter Anderson East shares the stage with Austin-based group Black Pumas. Doors open at 7 p.m. at the venue, located at 219 Dauphin St. Advance tickets are $20, with tickets at the door priced at $24. Advance tickets are available through the venue’s website, Mellow Mushroom locations in Mobile, or by phone.
East hails from the same small Alabama town that produced Alabama Shakes before relocating to Nashville, where he developed a sound that blends indie pop, R&B and blue-eyed soul, accented by his smooth vocal delivery. He has built a following with songs including “Girlfriend” and “All of My Mind,” and continues to draw new listeners with each release.
East will perform songs from his latest album, “Encore,” which broke into the top 10 on both the U.S. Folk and Rock charts, a testament to the wide-ranging appeal of his sound. The record showcases the same genre-blending approach that has defined his catalog.
Joining East on the bill is Black Pumas, an Austin-based group bringing its own retro-soul sound forged in the city’s music scene. The band’s style pays tribute to modern soul artists like Charles Bradley and Sharon Jones, pairing warm, seductive instrumental arrangements with powerful vocals throughout their music.
The pairing of East’s polished blue-eyed soul with Black Pumas’ retro grooves makes for a night of music well-suited for listeners looking for an alternative to the area’s larger festival crowds, including those in town for the Ten65 festival that same weekend.