DJ Soul Sister of New Orleans will throw the 16th edition of her now-legendary, annual birthday party on Friday, September 9. The show has become a tradition at Tipitina’s and each year’s Birthday Jam features a different artist or theme. This year’s “Two Step Throwback Edition” of Soul Sister’s Birthday Jam features the legendary Switch, one of Soul Sister’s favorite bands and a classic choice of R&B radio listeners.
Founded in 1976 by Gregory Williams, and featuring musicians from Michigan and Ohio, Switch scored major R&B radio and club hits on Motown Records with “There’ll Never Be” (1978), “I Call Your Name” (1979), “Best Beat in Town” (1979), “Love Over and Over Again” (1980) and more. The band features original member and associates Gregory Williams on vocals and keyboards, Eddie Fluellen on keyboards and vocals, and Michael McGloiry on guitar, as well as veteran Switch vocalist Akili Nickson, bassist James Strong, and drummer and New Orleans native Tefere Hazy. Switch’s legacy is documented in Williams’ memoir, Switch, Debarge, Motown & Me.
The show is also a tribute to original throwback Black New Orleans radio from the 1970s and 1980s, championed by Soul Sister, and fostered by veteran New Orleans DJ Captain Charles and broadcast pioneer Papa Smurf. DJ Captain Charles will open the show with his beloved brand of old-school R&B sets, which have landed him at recent appearances at the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival, Essence Festival, and Caesars New Orleans. Serving as the evening’s master of ceremonies is Papa Smurf, whose Quiet Storm and other R&B and jazz radio programs have endeared him to New Orleans listeners for over 40 years.
DJ Soul Sister will close out the night with her After Jam,” strictly for dancers who have enjoyed her parties, events, and Soul Power shows on WWOZ in her native New Orleans for the past 25-plus years.
While it lasts, free birthday cake will be available for all guests, baked by UniquelyMade Cakes & Treats and baker Monique Robinson of New Orleans. Tipitina’s is located at 501 Napoleon Avenue.
