Join cultural historian and DJ Duane Powell as he explores the ecosystem that connects 60's and early 70's Chicago, Philly and Detroit and the radical nature in which it became a catalyst for a global soulful underground scene. Serving as one of Chicago house music’s important ancestors, underground soul created a space of imagination and safety for Black artists and communities.

Philly Soul arrangers and producers such as Gamble & Huff and Baker, Harris, Young embraced the spectacular through lush musical arrangements and funk-filled rhythm and vocal harmonies. Meanwhile, Motown became a haven for queer artists such as The Dynamic Superiors' Tony Washington and Carl Bean and launched queer anthems such as Diana Ross’ “I’m Coming Out.”

After the presentation, Powell will sit in conversation with DJ, curator Ctrlzora, and Discopoet Khari B. to discuss how these regional soul movements set a stage for disco’s excess and house’s groove while also considering how this sonic soul archive inspires their own distinct approaches to music, poetry, and DJ craft.