Sunshine Gives Apache Something to Smile About

By Diarra Davis

A sunburst of radiant personality and spirituality sent supplements through the soul of 3rd Street Soul; sweet as a new spring courtship blooming with a vibrant voice to validate the victory of chemistry. It’s what happens when things are mixed and blended right; some call it divine design. Tonight on this April 9th, Apache presents Avery*Sunshine.

The air is light tonight. There is an undeniable cool permeating the Adult Atmosphere. It’s almost energizing and the patrons are primed for an inviting night of being uplifted. The set up of the place has allowed ample space to accommodate the many splendored styles for this second installment of Third Street Soul. Queen Sheba is the royal host on post as DJ Tabone, one of ATL's best nighttime spin artist opened the crowd up with his urban bohemian blends. This is soul, my friends.

As the clock strikes 9:45, right on time, Ethiopian Princess Marian Mareba begins with an acoustic set to wet the palette. Toting a blue guitar with blue earrings to match, Marian performed a more than satisfactory version of Bob Marley’s Redemption Song. In competition with the conversation of the crowd the Philly native flew through 3 songs lamenting with ‘Cant make u love me’ and expressing such a need singing of love in vain. Spellman’s Ms. Mareba finalized with a ballad titled Parachutes.

It was looking like a fiery sell out for this special event. Apache being packed is nothing new but this evening, they’ve made sure to fill every inch. Second to the stage was R&B, Soul, Rock, Alternative, and Rock artist Noah Pine. Atlanta born, but west coast raised Pine’s creative family fully embraced the funk. Joined by Cayenne, like the pepper I presume, on vocals, Noah and crew sang about what it is to them to be ‘In the City.’ The band is quite funky. Noah’s voice leaves some at a loss; yet the grooves are righteous enough. Noah growls and gyrates feeling himself very well.
He is definitely different in that ‘What is he on?’ kind of way. The band played on and the crowd remained attentive to guitar licks and the spitting of Pine’s lyrical language on a uniquely juxtaposed jaunt called “Sexy Snicker’s Bar.” Noah goes from Dizzy Gillespie to Prince in one song, maybe even the same 16 bars. Rocking out in a bipolar style/vibe unlike what I was prepared for. Noah was feeling nice and you could tell.

Our highly honored headliner, as one of Jet magazine’s Top 5 independent artists, is in the proper spot where independent artistry reigns. Starting by paying homage to the Temptations with the crowd joining the band for “My Girl,” Avery* Sunshine launched into popular single ‘I Got Sunshine’ and made my day brighter indeed. Truly moving from first note, this concert was fully interactive, involving the vintage church sectional breakdown calling on sopranos, altos, tenors, and basses to provide some harmony. Sunshine’s Alto illuminates the entire room with a smile that is highly electrifying. Crowd participation is not a problem. The roof was blown.

Siesta Sunshine said we will shout tonight. Bringing up the conversation of her happily divorced, while giving D’angelo some love singing “Lady” and then mixing in some Jill Scott lyricism over the D ’95 classic was just a taste of flavors offered by out versatile virtuoso. Then Avery’s 9-year-old son joined her ex-husband on keys and Avery on stage for the Stevie Wonder jam the “Master Blaster Jammin.” This was a night that was definitely for the lovers and all those happily in love. Backed by her band, of Brandon Gilliard on bass, James Barrett on drums and the cajone, and Dana Johnson on acoustic guitar, Avery*Sunshine let her music director skills be shown by leading the congregation in a couple of contemporary gospel jams that had hands waving and raised accentuated by testimonies of surviving. Following a sip of Moscato, the fans were treated to tasteful interpretation of the song “Ugly Part of Me,” then a couple of songs from a new album brought the night to a close.

All in all, it was wonderful to be the recipient of a little light when one does let it shine. Such an event is worthy of witness and worth being held in high regard. As an artist, Avery Sunshine has once again shown the independent audience of Apache, that the fruit of her labor is not only worthy of witness, but also worthy of purchase.