WCHOF Music Series: Brian Owens Soul Tribute to Michael Jackson

Join us for an electrifying evening of soulful R&B and pop as the WCHOF Music Series celebrates the iconic music of Michael Jackson.

Featuring Saint Louis-based soul singer Brian Owens and his band, this concert is an essential cultural event for music lovers and a highlight of the Saint Louis concerts calendar. The performance takes place at the World Chess Hall of Fame & Galleries, a unique Saint Louis museum and art gallery that offers an unforgettable atmosphere where strategic games meet sonic masterpieces.

The Program: Thriller & Off the Wall Reimagined

Experience a journey through the groundbreaking artistry of the King of Pop’s most iconic albums with:

• “Don’t Stop ’Til You Get Enough” (1979): Experience the infectious grooves that launched a new era of pop music.
• “Billie Jean”: Groundbreaking Artistry: A look at the sophisticated arrangements and songwriting that made Thriller a cultural phenomenon.

The Performers: Brian Owens Soul and Band

This exceptional evening features Brian Owens—a soul singer, songwriter, and creative curator whose music has been described as a modern extension of the Motown sound. With a voice steeped in gospel and classic R&B, Owens has performed nationally and internationally.

WCHOF Music Director Brian Owens has curated this exceptional program, selecting pieces that reflect the WCHOF’s mission to celebrate the intersection of art, culture, and high strategy. The ensemble will bring soulful and sophisticated depth to these cornerstone works.

Venue, Tickets, and Full Schedule

Experience this concert surrounded by our incredible permanent and rotating art exhibitions and history exhibits. The art gallery setting provides a beautiful backdrop for the performance.
Full Evening Schedule:

• 5:30 PM: Doors Open (Cash bar available)
• 6:00 PM: Artist Talk with WCHOF Music Director Brian Owens
• 7:00 PM – 8:00 PM: Concert Performance

Details:

• Venue: World Chess Hall of Fame & Galleries
• Tickets: $25 General Admission, $20 WCHOF Members, and includes one drink ticket.
• Seating is extremely limited for this intimate performance held within one of the galleries, offering a rare, up-close listening experience.

The Strategy of an Icon

Michael Jackson’s albums, particularly Thriller and Off the Wall, were masterclasses in cultural strategy, meticulously blending musical genres—pop, R&B, funk, and rock—to achieve unparalleled global success. This level of innovative thinking, curation, and execution mirrors the precise planning and creative maneuvering seen in high-level chess. Brian Owens’ Saint Louis-rooted musicianship and commitment to the arts further align with the WCHOF’s commitment to chess education and community enrichment.

Purchase Tickets Here

• 20% discount for WCHOF members, students, seniors, and military personnel
• Each ticket includes one free drink

Can’t make it to the concert? Be sure to watch the livestream on the World Chess Hall of Fame & Galleries’ YouTube channel.