The Black Soul Experience
Groove125 West 3rd Street, New York 10012
The Black Soul Experience brings its late-night live show to Groove, led by host and bandleader Antwon Robinson with a backing band of New York musicians. The set moves through R&B, funk, soul, soca, hip-hop, reggae and house, with the emphasis on a continuous, dance-driven mix rather than a single-style program. Groove bills the performance as high-powered and intense, built to keep the room moving through the night.
This is Groove's New York-based house act, with no fixed lineup named for this date. A doNYC listing calls the group “Greenwich Village’s long running all-star funk, soul, R&B band,” and past presentations have included a Stevie Wonder tribute. Music-News.com praised Robinson's “raw talent” for lifting the crowd's spirits, describing the band and guest singers' sets as “scintillating.” The same review notes appearances by members of Kool & the Gang, while making clear that Prince was known to sit in and watch, not that he performed with the group. For this night, Robinson remains the named musical focal point, backed by the musicians assembled for Groove's ongoing Black Soul Experience.
Groove offers a lively setting where music lovers gather to enjoy a range of live performances, often featuring multiple sets that stretch into the night. The venue’s space is designed for standing audiences, creating an energetic environment where the music takes center focus. A well-stocked bar serves as the hub for socializing before and after shows, while ticketing varies from free entry to modest cover charges, with advance purchase recommended for popular acts. The venue’s location in Manhattan places it within easy reach of the city’s vibrant nightlife, making it a natural stop for an evening out. Expect a night where the music pulses through the room, the crowd is engaged, and the energy builds as the night progresses, often with late-night jams or DJ sets extending the experience.