From July 24 to 27, Porretta Terme hosted the 37th edition of the Porretta Soul Festival, confirming its status as a key European destination for soul music.
The event was preceded, on July 9, by an extraordinary preview concert: Uniting Voices Chicago, a 66-member choir masterfully conducted by Josephine Lee, gave the audience a taste of the explosive energy that would define the entire festival.
One of the most significant moments of the 2025 edition was the official celebration of the twinning between Porretta and Memphis—two cities bound by a shared love for soul music. The agreement, signed on February 12, was attended by Memphis Mayor Paul Young, Shelby County President Lee Harris, Alto Reno Terme Mayor Giuseppe Nanni, and Metropolitan City of Bologna Mayor Matteo Lepore.
The American mayors were symbolically presented with the keys to the city, sealing a bond rooted in music and culture.
Among the enthusiastic audience that filled Rufus Thomas Park every evening was Albhy Galuten, internationally renowned composer and producer. Though not widely known by the public, Galuten boasts an extraordinary career: he was behind major hits like the Saturday Night Fever soundtrack, Eric Clapton’s Knockin’ on Heaven’s Door, and albums for Barbra Streisand, Dionne Warwick, the Bee Gees, and many others. He has also collaborated with Rod Stewart, Aretha Franklin, the Eagles, and Petula Clark, and has won two Grammy Awards.
A multitude of musicians performed on stage, coming from Memphis and other international scenes.
For the second consecutive year, the Memphis Music Hall of Fame Band served as the festival’s home band—12 outstanding musicians regularly performing at Memphis’ Hall of Fame.
Under the direction of keyboardist Kurt “KC” Clayton, the band accompanied most of the artists, showcasing their versatility and professionalism.
Band members included:
Guitars: Garry Goin, Steve Bethany
Bass: Dwight Sanders
Keyboards: Kurt “KC” Clayton, Darryl Sanford
Drums: Carlos Sargent
Horn section: Alan Clayton (tenor sax), Paul McKinney (trumpet), Victor Sawyer (trombone)
Vocals: Shunta Mosby, Dani McGhee, Candy Fox
July 24 – Opening the festival was Memphis’ own John Nemeth (vocals and harmonica) with his band the Blue Dreamers: Gabe Stillman (guitar), Max Kaplan (bass), and Andrew McNeill (drums). Winners of the Blues Music Award for “Band of the Year,” they returned to Porretta following a previous performance in 2023.
Next came the warmly welcomed return of Andrew Strong from Ireland—famed voice of The Commitments—joined by the Dublin Soul (Eamon Flynn on keyboards, Conor Brady on guitar), all supported by the Memphis Music Hall of Fame Band.
Closing the night was Al Kapeezy (Al Kapone), a Memphis gangsta rap icon, who brought a bold and modern sound to the stage, opening the festival to new generations.
⸻
July 25 – The evening kicked off with Dublin Soul, followed by Sandy Carroll with If You Got It, and then Captain Jack Watson, back for his second appearance.
The vocalists of the Memphis Music Hall of Fame Band took center stage, shining in powerful gospel and soul solos.
Also on stage were Carlos Strong, a talent discovered on American Idol and past collaborator with Marcus Miller and Patti Austin, and Jonté Mayon, known for her soulful, spiritual voice.
A moving debut came from Vincent Carr, son of legendary James Carr (who performed at the festival in 1992), who paid a heartfelt tribute to his father and performed a duet with Candy Fox.
⸻
July 26 – The day opened with the Crystal Thomas Band, led by singer and trombonist Crystal Thomas, featuring an international lineup:
Victor Puertas (Spain) – organ, piano, vocals;
Luca Giordano (Italy) – guitar, backing vocals;
Antoine Escalier (France) – bass;
Pascal Delmas (France) – drums;
Alessandro Di Bonaventura (Italy) – trumpet;
Luca Di Giammarco (Italy) – tenor sax;
Sax Gordon (USA) – alto sax.
Special guest: Captain Jack Watson.
During the evening, the Sweet Soul Music Award 2025 was presented to Linn Sitler, director of the Memphis & Shelby County Film and Television Commission, and a key advocate of the sister-city partnership.
A fun interlude featured Nik Hutton, festival host, with his hilarious rendition of Prince’s Kiss.
The night closed with Lil Rounds, another American Idol discovery, and the beloved Jerome Chism, who had captivated audiences the previous year with his tribute to Wilson Pickett. Chism was chosen as the festival’s official image thanks to last year’s success.
⸻
July 27 – The final night began with the Blackburn Brothers from Canada, a family band made up of Duane (vocals, organ, piano), Brooke (guitar, vocals), and Cory (drums, backing vocals).
They were joined on stage by Neil Brathwaite (tenor sax), Ted Peters (trombone), and Andrew Stewart (bass).
Their musical legacy stems from their father, Bobby Dean Blackburn, a historical figure in Canadian R&B.
Later, Nik Hutton returned with I Can’t Turn You Loose by Otis Redding, followed by a memorable jam session featuring the entire Memphis crew: Al Kapeezy, Captain Jack Watson, Vincent Carr, Carlos Strong, Lil Rounds, Jonté Mayon, and the vocalists of the Memphis Music Hall of Fame Band.
⸻
For four days, Porretta transformed into the Soul City of the Apennines, with music extending beyond the park:
• Free concerts all festival days in the town center and at the Rufus Thomas Café Stage, featuring 19 Italian bands
• Musical parades through the streets with the Oversoul Street Band bringing energy to the weekend
• A gospel concert by Pisa’s Revelation Gospel Choir on Sunday on the church steps of the Cappuccini
• The Crystal Thomas Band’s post-festival tour in Vergato, Tolé, and Mombaroccio with free performances
The original Bluesmobile from The Blues Brothers movie was also a big hit, brought to Porretta by CERN physicist Erwin Siesling, who, along with a friend, impersonated John Belushi and Dan Aykroyd.
The Street Food Village, offering Italian and international specialties in the historic town center, and the market on Via Mazzini, were also highly appreciated.
Now that the curtain has fallen on the 37th edition of the festival, it’s clear this year’s event successfully brought together soul fans, families, and tourists, confirming Porretta’s reputation as the European capital of soul.
Now, we await the 38th edition.
What surprises will Graziano Uliani bring in 2026?
Thanks to LepidaTV, you can relive the festival nights at the following links:
The channel also includes recordings from previous editions.
More info and social media:
🌐 porrettasoulfestival.it
📘 Facebook: porretta.soul.festival
📸 Instagram: porrettasoulfestival
Web Reporter Certificato da WREP EU