Acoustic Soul Express is giving a soulful twist to R&B at Sunset Series on August 15, one of our final events of the season! We’re excited to have a local band from Long Beach join us. so we’re sharing a bit of their musical journey below.
Acoustic Soul Express is a duo that has been performing together for 5 years “mostly covering R&B, from Motown to present with some hip-hop, pop and blues classics,” says Ashanti Dykes when describing their sound. “I play the chords, melodies, basslines and percussion – all on acoustic guitar. I also do a little background singing,” he continues. Chad Bishop is the lead vocalist and he also plays guitar and trombone.
“Guests can expect to sing, dance and hear a few jazz and classical pieces in-between,” says Ashanti of their Sunset Series performance. “I often play a little Beethoven, Joplin, Brubeck or Spanish guitar classics. I also accompany Chad when he plays trombone.” But his favorite song to preform is Stevie Wonder’s Sir Duke because he enjoys the way the horn sounds on the guitar and the energy the song brings to the audience.
Before forming Acoustic Soul Express, Ashanti was a local music teacher. “I’ve taught many great students in Palos Verdes since the ’90s at PV Music House (formerly Amuse), so I’m hoping to see some of them and their families. I also taught music at Rolling Hills Country Day School right next door to South Coast Botanic Garden.” So if a former music teacher by the name of Mr. Dyke rings a bell, come by and watch him in his element.
The evening will also include specialty menu items, R&B Manhattan and Buttermilk Chicken and Waffles, in addition to our usual menu items. Food and drinks can be found at all three of our full bars.
Tickets to Sunset Series: R&B Night featuring Acoustic Soul Express can be found here.
