The Concert The Music

Springfield Indie Soul Festival 2025 – Artist Showcase

The Springfield Indie Soul Festival proudly presents a vibrant and unforgettable lineup of legendary performers, rising stars, and soul-stirring independent artists — all representing the richness and diversity of Black music. From smooth jazz and R&B to urban soul and cultural storytelling, this year’s festival brings together powerful voices and dynamic musicianship for a day of inspiration, rhythm, and connection.

Featured Artists

André Ward
Hailing from Chicago, smooth jazz saxophonist André Ward blends traditional jazz with R&B, hip-hop, funk, and pop. A graduate of Berklee College of Music, André has toured globally and released several acclaimed albums, including Feelin You, Steppin Up, and Crystal City. His latest project, CAUTION, showcases his mastery of multiple instruments and his continued innovation in the genre. André Ward isn’t just preserving Smooth Jazz — he’s pushing it forward.

James “Biscuit” Rouse
Philadelphia-born drummer, producer, and musical director James “Biscuit” Rouse has lent his talents to legends such as Lauryn Hill, Vivian Green, and Nile Rodgers. With a genre-spanning resume and production credits that include film and studio work, Biscuit is set to release his debut album buddy and biscuit in Fall 2024 under the German label Leopard. Known for his rhythmic precision and soulful depth, Biscuit delivers unforgettable live energy.

Natasha Ramos
Singer-songwriter Natasha Ramos brings a powerhouse voice and a history of elite industry collaborations. From her early days in the girl group Anjel to her vocal work on Jennifer Lopez’s This Is Me…Then, Natasha has worked with top producers like Pharrell, Rodney Jerkins, and The Neptunes. Her 2011 mixtape Feelin’ Myself showcases her unique artistry and vision. A seasoned performer, Natasha combines vocal prowess with raw emotion.

Malik James
Brooklyn-born and Springfield-raised, Malik James is an emerging R&B, soul, and urban pop artist known for hits like “Midnight Dream,” “My Baby (So Wavy),” and “Y.F.N.” With growing recognition on platforms like SoundCloud and Apple Music, his smooth vocals and catchy hooks reflect a modern sound with classic soul roots. His Martini Lounge EP has made him one to watch in the independent scene.

Monique Curry
Monique Curry is a soul vocalist whose voice blends gospel, jazz, R&B, and emotional honesty. A natural performer, Monique began in church choirs and quickly grew into a commanding solo artist. Her live shows are known for intensity, warmth, and connection, making each performance feel personal and profound. Whether delivering an original anthem or a timeless ballad, Monique ministers through melody and leaves audiences transformed.

Each artist will perform alongside live bands and DJs, creating an immersive celebration of music, culture, and creativity. The 2025 Springfield Indie Soul Festival is more than a concert – it’s a cultural experience, a homecoming, and a tribute to the legacy and future of Black music. Join us under the open sky for a day filled with soul, rhythm, and unforgettable energy.

Tribute to Classic Soul: Led by Leon Spradley & TM Connection

The Iconic Leon Spradley

This year’s Springfield Indie Soul Festival will feature a powerful tribute to the roots and evolution of R&B and soul music, led by dynamic vocalist Leon Spradley and the electrifying band TM Connection. This special set is more than a performance. It is a musical journey that transports audiences through the rich eras of Black music with passion, precision, and soul.

From the smooth harmonies of Smokey Robinson and the raw emotion of Marvin Gaye to the funk-driven fire of James Brown and the elegance of Gladys Knight, the tribute honors the Motown legacy while expanding into the groove-heavy soundscapes of 1970s soul, the quiet storm and dancefloor energy of the 1980s, and the polished, heartfelt R&B anthems of the 1990s. Expect unforgettable renditions of songs by artists like Luther Vandross, Anita Baker, Chaka Khan, New Edition, Toni Braxton, and Boyz II Men, all brought to life with live vocals and instrumentation that stir the soul and move the crowd.

With velvet vocals, tight rhythms, and a band that understands the cultural heartbeat of this music, Spradley and TM Connection will deliver a tribute that connects generations. It is a celebration of songs that shaped memories, defined decades, and continue to inspire. This is music that lives and breathes, reminding us all that soul never fades.