IF YOU GOWhat: Songbook: Luther Vandross, featuring Harley Griffin.When: 6 p.m. Sunday.Where: Bessie Smith Cultural Center, 200 E. M.L. King Blvd.Admission: $40 (includes two sets, dinner and dancing).Phone: 266-8658.Email: info@bessiesmithcc.org.
A Sunday concert at Bessie Smith Cultural Center will have a definite Valentine's vibe.
For Songbook: Luther Vandross, Harley Griffin will perform the silky smooth ballads the king of '80s R&B romance made famous, backed by Vandross' original band. The evening also includes dinner and dancing. A cash bar will be available.
Vandross was an eight-time Grammy winner. His biggest hits include "Here and Now," "Power of Love/Love Power" and "Dance With My Father."
Griffin grew up in a musical family, who realized his potential when he was 4. At South Carolina State University, he performed as lead vocalist with the R&B/funk band Pride and three times won as Most Outstanding Vocalist with the South Carolina State Jazz Ensemble.
His formal training includes music and voice study with two noted vocal professors: Dr. Uzee Brown at Morehouse College and Dr. Ronald High at Benedict College. According to his bio, Griffin also had the opportunity to study with such icons as John "Dizzy" Gillespie, Max Roach, Betty "Bee Bop" Carter and Joe Sample.
Opening for the Atlanta-based entertainer will be The Three Divas of Chattanooga's The Creative Underground, under the direction of Shane Morrow.