The first time I attended a Soul Remedy show, I noticed two things. First, that the group had a very diverse following, and second, that vocalist Marla B. Smith was performing barefoot.

I’m sure lots of singers perform barefoot and I just haven’t noticed before, but in the somewhat dingy, over-crowded, and smoky club appropriately called the Dragon’s Den where the performance was taking place that night, her bare feet just seemed to really suit the mood. My feet were aching in boots that l...