The IU Soul Revue is more than a band. It is a legacy.
Join us in celebrating the incredible 50-year legacy of the IU Soul Revue on April 22–23, 2022, in Indianapolis, Indiana.
“Let’s Stay Together,” based on the song by Al Greene released in 1971 on the Hi label, is the 50th Anniversary theme. The song represents the shared experiences that all IU Soul Revue members and fans have had over the 50 years.
The African American Arts Institute will honor Michael Burton, an IU and Soul Revue alumnus, who has gone on to become a renowned saxophonist touring with many well-known artists including Patti LaBelle, Jill Scott, Mary J. Blige, and many more. Burton will receive the Herman C. Hudson Alumni Award during the IU Soul Revue’s 50th Anniversary banquet on Friday, April 22 at the JW Marriott Indianapolis.
Fifty years ago, the IU Soul Revue became the first collegiate ensemble to perform rhythm and blues and soul music for academic credit. The Soul Revue today remains the only collegiate ensemble of its kind, adding to the many reasons why Indiana University is a leader in the arts and education.
The Soul Revue’s story is one of vision, advocacy, excellence, community, and a legacy that extends across the world
As the first institutionalized African American performing ensemble specializing in Black popular music, the Soul Revue added to and enriched the cultural and social life of African American students, faculty, staff as well as the local community and the broader campus, a role it continues today.
Dr. Portia Maultsby, IU Soul Revue Founding Director, Professor Emerita
Soul Revue Vocalist, 1998–2003
As a culinary artist, Chef Razia Sabour has shown the world what it truly means to put your soul into food. From providing catering services to the television industry to winning cooking shows, Chef Sabour has taken the food and catering industry by storm. Chef Sabour has been a caterer for Tyler Perry Studios and has gone on to cater for TV networks such as Bravo, BET, WEtv, TBS, VH1, and many others. One of Chef Sabour’s most recent accomplishments has been winning The Great Soul Food Cook Off hosted and created by the Oprah Winfrey Network.
Read Razia's StoryToday, IU Soul Revue continues to preserve and promote Black popular music, while supporting student success and timely graduation.
Under the direction of James Strong, students have opportunities to learn from accomplished artists and experts in the music industry, engage in the recording and production process, and perform before local and national audiences.
The IU Soul Revue has provided life-changing experiences for hundreds of students and thousands of audience members. We are excited to celebrate this incredible legacy.
Dr. Charles Sykes, Executive Director of African American Arts Institute
IU Soul Revue is much more than a band. It’s a community and a family.
The 50th anniversary theme is “Let’s Stay Together,” inspired by the Al Green 1971 soul classic.
This anniversary celebration is inclusive of all alumni, decades, and those who have been impacted by the Soul Revue.
IU Soul Revue remains the only collegiate ensemble of its kind, adding to the many reasons why Indiana University is a leader in the arts and education.
Your gift helps sustain and expand the Soul Revue's impact on students, the campus, and greater community.
Help us build the next 50 years of IU Soul Revue and beyond.
Charles Sykes
Executive Director
812-855-0350 | csykes@iu.edu
Hannah Crane
Events and Communications Specialist
812-855-3676 | hmcrane@iu.edu
The College of Arts Sciences