Too many missed out on 'A Taste of Soul'

Those who did not attend the “A Taste of Soul” concert Saturday night at the Liberty Center missed out on more than they will ever know.

The rousing, uplifting production marked the second year that Sedalia native Melvin Kerr has teamed with the Liberty Center Association for the Arts to provide a gospel extravaganza in honor of Black History Month. Kerr, who is minister of music at St. Monica Catholic Church in Kansas City but still resides in Sedalia, put together a stellar lineup of talent from his circle of friends and fellow artists.

While all the artists captivated the audience, of special note were The Gospel Unifics, soloist Toi Lee and comedian Evelyn Elmore, who stole the show as Sista Liedell.

We are hopeful that Kerr and the Liberty Center will make this show a February tradition in Sedalia. It serves as a celebration of African-American culture, and is a highly entertaining evening of music and spiritualism. We also are hopeful that, should “A Taste of Soul” grace that stage again, that Saturday’s rough patches with the sound and lighting will be smoothed over.

Tickets for the inaugural “A Taste of Soul” concert were free; this year, tickets were $8 in advance and $10 at the door. The price may have kept the house from being full, but it shouldn’t have; for that small fee, patrons were treated to more than 2 1/2 hours of top quality, faith-infused entertainment.

It would be great if, next year, more folks sampled “A Taste of Soul.” Not only for the benefit of the Liberty Center, but also as a way to broaden residents’ cultural and entertainment horizons.

NOTE: Melany Satnan, wife of Democrat Editor Bob Satnan, was a member of the “A Taste of Soul” Program Committee.