WCHOF Music Series: Boo Mitchell, The Hi Rhythm Section, & Lina Beach

Join us for a soulful evening of rhythm and blues as the WCHOF Music Series celebrates the legendary sounds of Memphis’ Royal Studios. Featuring Grammy Award-winning musician and producer Boo Mitchell, the Hi Rhythm Section, and Lina Beach, this concert is an essential cultural event for music lovers and a highlight of the Saint Louis concert 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: Memphis Soul Traditions
Experience a journey through the "Deep South" sound with:

• The Royal Studios Legacy: A celebration of deep-pocket grooves, velvet horns, and timeless melodies that defined an era.
• A Soulful Throughline: Exploring the connection between the Memphis tradition and the Midwest's own vibrant musical history.

The Performers: Legends of the Groove
This exceptional evening features premier musicians from the Hi Rhythm Section alongside modern torchbearers. These artists were selected for the WCHOF Contemporary Music Series by WCHOF Music Director Brian Owens, reflecting the World Chess Hall of Fame & Galleries' mission to celebrate the intersection of art, culture, and excellence.

• Boo Mitchell: A Grammy Award-winning engineer and producer who carries forward the storied lineage of Willie Mitchell and Royal Studios.
• Lina Beach: A powerhouse vocalist and songwriter known for her expressive tone and emotional sincerity.
• The Hi Rhythm Section: The architects of the sound behind Al Green and Ann Peebles, whose understated rhythm remains a foundation of modern music.

Collaborating for this event are pianist Alla Voskoboynikova, mezzo-soprano Benedetta Orsi, and Hannah Ji, the assistant concertmaster for the Saint Louis Symphony Orchestra (SLSO).

Thematic Connection: The Strategy of the Groove
Much like a grandmaster calculating several moves ahead, the members of the Hi Rhythm Section mastered the "strategy of the groove"—the ability to anticipate a vocalist's next emotional shift and provide the perfect harmonic support. This precision and intuition mirror the mental agility required in world-class chess, making the World Chess Hall of Fame & Galleries the perfect backdrop for this soulful masterclass.

Venue, Tickets, and Full Schedule
Experience this concert surrounded by our incredible permanent and rotating art exhibitions and history exhibits.

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
• Note: Each ticket includes one complimentary drink ticket.
• Seating is extremely limited for this intimate performance held within one of the current galleries, offering a rare, up-close listening experience.

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.