Nothing helps to brighten the holidays like music, and while blues and southern may not be conventional Christmas fare, it certainly lends itself to the celebratory spirit of the season.
With that in mind, Michael Jackson, of Mr. Mike’s Productions, said he wants to help spread some much-needed holiday cheer and ring in the new year with The Holiday Season Classic, which is set for Dec. 26 at the El Dorado Municipal Auditorium, 100 W. Eighth.
Doors open at 7 p.m. and the show starts at 8 p.m.
The concert features tried-and-true blues, southern soul and R&B favorites who are known to draw a crowd, including TK Soul, also known as “The Bad Boy of Southern Soul.”
Rounding out the headliners are more of the hottest singers in the region for blues, southern soul and R&B music: Hisyde, Crystal Thomas, J-Wonn and Fat Daddy.
Comedian Supastar Mark Jones will host the show and DJ Big Daddy In Da Mixx, a Mr. Mike’s Productions’ staple, will also be on hand to entertain the crowd.
T.K. Soul has made numerous appearances in El Dorado over the years and is one of the most highly-sought after performers on the blues and southern soul circuit.
Born Terrance Kimble, the Winnfield, Louisiana, native has performed numerous shows in El Dorado, many for Mr. Mike’s Productions, over the past 15 years.
He is making a return appearance following the Southern Soul Showdown, another local Mr. Mike’s production, in August.
Hisyde, Thomas, J-Wonn and Fat Daddy are also popular names among local blues and southern soul fans.
As with other local event organizers and promoters, Jackson’s ability to produce shows were hampered earlier in the year by the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.
Many local events were canceled, postponed or rescheduled and Jackson was the first to present a major outdoor event in El Dorado following the COVID outbreak in late winter/early spring.
By March, Jackson said he had already begun promoting Soul Fest, a live music-event that is held each year at the Union County Fairgrounds and showcases soul music, along with southern soul, blues, R&B, funk and more.
With the public health crisis, the fate of Soul Fest temporarily hung in the balance but the 19th annual event went on as scheduled on June 13.
Though Soul Fest did not draw its average crowd size of 2,000 - 2,500 and was held with state-approved COVID-19 guidelines and restrictions in place, Jackson said the numbers were healthy and encouraged him to move forward with another large annual event, the Southern Soul Showdown, which is also held at the fairgrounds.
He has also been able to sprinkle in a few more shows and outdoor gatherings this year, including the Stop the Violence and Celebration of Lost Loved Ones Gathering at Mattocks Park in June and Super Soul Saturday, a concert that was held in July at The Good Times Backyard Plaza, 1814 Junction City Road.
Jackson said COVID-19 health and safety guidelines will also be enforced during The Holiday Season Classic, which will be held indoors.
“It’s the same. Everybody will have to wear a mask and everybody will be spread out in groups,” he said, adding that seating capacity for the show will also be limited.
Monday is the last day to purchase early-bird tickets for $25. Tickets will then increase to $30 in advance and admission will cost more at the door.
A limited number of VIP seats is available for $60.
Tickets are on sale at Mr. Mike’s Music and Artwork in El Dorado; Special Touch in Camden; JB’s in Crossett; Golden Girls in Warren; Record Rack in Pine Bluff; Golden Lady in Texarkana; Ugly Mike’s in Little Rock; and LBK’s in Farmerville, Louisiana.
For more information, call Jackson at 870-866-7441.