Spotlight Series: The Suffers

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If you happen to be near Memphis, Tenn., this weekend, you’re in for a treat, because The Suffers—who’ve already taken Levitt lawns in Arlington, Texas and Lafayette, La. by storm this season—will be heading to Levitt Shell this Friday night! This ten-piece retro soul band hailing from Houston, Texas, will be serving up a healthy portion of what they call “Gulf Coast Soul.”

In a recent interview, Kam Franklin—the band’s fiery vocalist—explained how the group came to define their sound as “Gulf Coast Soul:” “When I think of the Gulf, I think of good food, humidity, diverse cultures, and this is all reflected in the Suffers. We come from different backgrounds, but it all comes together in our band and we create a gumbo of music. It might not make sense on paper to put a Latin percussionist with a gospel singer with a classically trained saxophonist with a jazz drummer, but for us, it works.”

This past spring—shortly after releasing their debut LP, Make Some Room—The Suffers made their national television debut on the Late Show with David Letterman. The band wowed the iconic late night television talk show host and his live, in-studio audience with their stellar musicianship, unshakable groove and contagious joy. Check out their electric performance of their hit single, “Gwan“ below:

Come experience The Suffers live at Levitt Shell this Friday, October 2, at 7 p.m.! And for folks in Charlottesville, Cleveland and Middlesboro, check out the other free shows happening this week at the Levitt. A special thanks to all the Levitteers who’ll be attending this Saturday’s sold-out Kenny Loggins benefit concert at Levitt Arlington (where free concerts will resume next weekend).

Be sure to check your local Levitt for the latest concert info, including updates due to weather.

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