COttontown soul society is more than a band. It’s a promise kept.

The fulfillment of a promise made to an old friend and mentor, Cottontown Soul Society is here to bring joy, acceptance, and musical inspiration to the world.

With funky rhythms and soaring vocals, the band’s style transcends time and genre to connect individually with every listener through the experiences we all share.

The result is a fun and soulful show the audience won’t soon forget.

Cottontown Soul Society is:

Shelley Magee (Lead Vocals) A blues singer for over 25 years, and long-time fixture in Columbia’s blues and jazz music scenes, Shelley is well known for her powerful and charismatic vocal performances. She’s a long-time activist for the power of music to build communities – as well as a songwriter, bandleader, and the spiritual center of the Cottontown Soul Society collective.

Mark Rapp (Trumpet) A force on his horn, Mark is the current SC Jazz Ambassador and the hardworking founder of ColaJazz. He’s an award-winning composer and recording artist who has toured all over the world bringing modern jazz into the spotlight. He lends his unique sound to the band as the leader of the mighty Cottontown horn section.

Catherine Allgrim (Trombone, Vocals) One of the area’s most popular trombone players, Catherine’s inner strength and beauty color every note she plays – as well as the ones she sings. Having developed exquisite taste and extreme range while working with bands in almost every genre, her incredible sense of energy and happiness are vital to the character of the band.

Ron Green (Drums) As Assistant Director of Bands for the celebrated Benedict College Marching Band, and a Columbia jazz scene regular, Ron’s playing encapsulates an extraordinary blend of musical influences. From halftime show to Sunday service, his creative rhythms form the musical heartbeat of Cottontown Soul Society and lay the foundation upon which the rest of the group operates.

Rodney Foster (Bass) One of the most in-demand bass players in the state on both upright and electric, Rodney’s eclectic fusion of jazz, R&B, praise and soul styles makes him one of the funkiest bass players you’ll ever hear live. Simply put, he dares you not to dance.

Ace Evans (Guitar) A veteran of the blues and rock scenes, Ace has played throughout the Southeast for nearly 20 years. His tasty rhythms reach across American roots music genres to form a unique sound that helps define Cottontown Soul Society. A co-songwriter, he shares a long standing, collaborative musical partnership with Shelley.

Chris Bussell (Tenor and Baritone Saxophones) As a music educator and long time performer, Chris is mentor to more band kids than you can shake a baton at. His big, fun sax style is on full display with every high energy solo he lays down as part of Cottontown Soul Society. One of the busiest guys in the business, he still manages to find time to be the band’s chart master and comic relief.

Sidney Mitchell (Alto Saxophone) A fixture in the Columbia and Charleston music scenes, Sidney’s playing is always distinct. There’s no mistaking his soulful tone acquired by playing alongside Pops, who also considered him a close friend and mentor. The first member recruited for Cottontown Soul Society, Sidney brings joy to every stage he sets foot on.