10th annual Holiday Concert bringing blues, soul favorites back

Roi Chip Anthony
Roi Chip Anthony

Blues, southern soul and R&B lovers are invited to get their yuletide groove on at the 10th annual Holiday Concert, which is set for Dec. 18 at the El Dorado Conference Center, 311 S. West Ave.

Presented by Mr. Mike's Productions, headliners for the concert are Roi Chip Anthony, Bigg Robb and Rhomey -- all names that are well known to blue, southern soul and R&B fans throughout the region and all of whom have performed in El Dorado multiple times over the years.

Doors for the Holiday Concert open at 7 p.m. and the show starts at 8 p.m. The concert will also feature DJs Big Daddy and 2 Legit.

Early-bird tickets are on sale for $25 until Dec. 6. Ticket prices will then increase to $30 on Dec. 7 and $40 at the door.

Promoter Michael Jackson, founder of Mr. Mike's Productions, said advance ticket sales are moving well, particularly among fans in south and central Arkansas, north Louisiana and east Texas.

Even though the holiday show has been presented under various names throughout the years (in 2019, the show was part of a "Saturday Night Live" series), Jackson -- who also stages the annual Soul Fest, Southern Showdown and within the last two years, The Last Dance -- noted that it has been 10 years since he came up with the idea to extend his yearly entertainment schedule beyond early fall and into the holiday season.

"I've always done something right before Christmas. I thought it was just a good time to have a holiday party, especially for the people who are in town for the holidays and are looking for something to do," Jackson said.

A Cleveland, Ohio, native, Robert "Bigg Robb" Smith has headlined several Mr. Mike's shows and has become a fan favorite with his flashy, flamboyant style and comedic presence.

A singer, songwriter and producer, Bigg Robb has worked with many legendary artists in blues, southern soul, R&B and funk music.

Some of them are Charlie Wilson of the GAP Band, Bootsy Collins, the late Roger Troutman and Zapp, Leroy "Sugarfoot" Bonner of the Ohio Players, The Bar-Kays, Denise LaSalle, Shirley Murdock, Ice Cube (who performed in El Dorado during MusicFest 2021), Rebbie Jackson, Mel Waiters and Omar Cunningham.

Bigg Robb has also appeared on numerous TV shows, including "Soul Train," "Bobby Jones Gospel" and "Unsung" on TV One.

Roi Chip Anthony and Rhomey, both Louisiana natives from Lafayette and Winnfield, respectively, are known to draw crowds that include a dedicated following from their home state wherever they perform in the region, including El Dorado.

Roi Chip Anthony is perhaps best known for songs "Gonna Do Me" and "Thickness", a collaboration with rappers DJ Jubilee and Pallo Da Jiint, two key figures on the New Orleans bounce music scene.

Anthony also dedicated a song, "Long Way From Home", to victims of Hurricane Katrina.

Rhomey is still enjoying success off his 2015 single, "Head Bad." He has been featured on songs with other blues and southern soul artists, including TK Soul and Kiko Pryor.

In keeping with the spirit of the season, Jackson said fans who attend the Holiday Concert are in store for surprise guest appearances and drawings for Christmas gifts.

The event will double as a birthday celebration for his mother, Ethel Jackson, and Carolyn Meadows and Jean Westbrook, both of whom, he said, have been avid supporters of Mr. Mike's events.

"They all have birthdays right before Christmas," Jackson said.

Tables may be reserved for the concert. There will be a photo booth and concessions on-site.

Tickets may be purchased at Mr. Mike's CDs and Tapes (Music and Artwork) in El Dorado; Special Touch in Camden; JB's in Crossett; and in Louisiana at L B K's (Farmerville) and Sally's (Ruston).

For more information or to reserve a table, call Jackson at 870-866-7441.

Big Robb
Big Robb
Rhomey
Rhomey

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