Get ready to groove under the stars as the Community Music Center of Houston (CMCH) proudly presents Philly Soul Volume 5 & A Tribute to the Legendary Frankie Beverly at Miller Outdoor Theatre, nestled in the heart of Hermann Park, on Friday, April 11, 2025, at 8:00 PM CST. This free, soul-stirring celebration honors the deep legacy of The Sound of Philadelphia (TSOP) and the unforgettable genius of Frankie Beverly, promising an evening rich with music, memory, and community.

The Sound of Philadelphia: A Soul Legacy

The evening’s first act will pay homage to The Sound of Philadelphia, a genre-defining soul and funk movement birthed by the iconic songwriting and production duo Kenny Gamble and Leon Huff, alongside Thom Bell. These musical architects formed Philadelphia International Records (PIR) in 1971, which would go on to deliver more than 170 gold and platinum hits. From the anthems of The O’Jays, Teddy Pendergrass, and Harold Melvin & the Blue Notes to the dance floor classics of McFadden & Whitehead, TSOP brought the rhythm of joy, resistance, and Black excellence to the world.

Conducted by the brilliant Dr. Anne Lundy, the Scott Joplin Orchestra (SJO)—CMCH’s powerhouse ensemble—will perform an exhilarating set of PIR classics and fan favorites. With an impressive performance history that includes collaborations with the Houston Symphony, The Links National Conference, and Super Bowl XXXVIII (alongside Houston’s own Beyoncé), SJO will bring a powerful symphonic soul to the iconic Miller stage.

A Heartfelt Tribute to Frankie Beverly

The concert’s second half shifts into soulful high gear with a musical tribute to the legendary Frankie Beverly, who sadly passed away at the age of 77 on September 10, 2024. Beverly’s career began in 1970 with the formation of Raw Soul, which later became Maze featuring Frankie Beverly under the guidance of mentor Marvin Gaye. Maze's music became the heartbeat of Black joy and togetherness, with hits like “Before I Let Go” becoming generational anthems. In 2019, Beyoncé’s reimagining of the track for her Homecoming documentary reignited its popularity, proving Beverly’s timeless influence.

In honor of Beverly’s legacy, attendees are encouraged to wear white, the signature look of Maze fans, as a tribute to the man whose music has been the soundtrack to backyard barbecues, family reunions, and soulful Saturday nights.

Community, Culture, and Continuity

More than a concert, Philly Soul V 5 is a cultural revival. It is lovingly produced by the Community Music Center of Houston, a nonprofit arts institution that has worked for nearly 50 years to preserve and elevate Black musical traditions. The organization was co-founded by the late Ron Scales (1948–2024) and inspired by the vision of Rev. William A. Lawson, founding pastor of Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church. Many early CMCH members came from the Wheeler community, and the church itself served as the rehearsal home for the ensemble in its early days.

This event is generously funded through a grant from the Miller Outdoor Theatre Advisory Board and the City of Houston, underscoring Houston’s continued investment in the celebration and preservation of Black musical heritage.

Event Details at a Glance:

📅 Date: Friday, April 11, 2025

⏰ Time: 8:00 PM CST

📍 Location: Miller Outdoor Theatre, Hermann Park

🎟 Admission: Free and open to the public

👕 Attire: Wear white in memory of Frankie Beverly

🌐 Website: cmchouston.org

📱 Instagram: @phillysoulsound

Join the CMCH as we honor the rhythm, soul, and legacy of a musical era that still moves hearts and feet today. Philly Soul Volume 5 & Tribute to Frankie Beverly is more than a concert—it's a community celebration you won't want to miss.

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