An evening of romance, delectable food, dancing and silky smooth ballads is planned for Sunday, February 12 at 6 pm at the Bessie Smith Cultural Center located at 200 E. Martin Luther King Boulevard.

Imagine a voice made of velvet, both smooth and rich, with R&B riffs that woo your heart into musical bliss! To imagine this is to truly experience R&B sensation Harley Griffin. Having studied with musical icons like John “Dizzy” Gillespie, Max Roach, Betty “Bee Bop” Carter and Joe Sample, Harley keeps the spirit of timeless ballads alive and well. Harley grew up in a musically talented family, realizing his own potential at the age of four. He began his musical journey performing in various venues as lead vocalist with the R&B/Funk Band “Pride” while in college at South Carolina State University His formal training includes music and voice study with two of the most well noted vocal professors in the nation, Dr. Uzee Brown, Morehouse College and Dr. Ronald High, Benedict College. “Harley has a unique sound, very warm, a voice going somewhere,” raved one of his instructors. Harley’s sound allures listeners who love music. He boasts the accomplishment of 3 times Most Outstanding Vocalist with the South Carolina State Jazz Ensemble Harley’s versatility as lead or backup singer and writer, has been used in the studio and on stage.

Opening for Mr. Griffin will be the three divas of the Creative Underground under the direction of Shane Morrow.