Chris Rouse On The Rise

Finally made it down to Acoustic Soul Tuesdays at the Trane Studio (964 Bathurst St.). I wasn't disappointed.

This week the grassroots open mic/artist showcase featured Chris Rouse, who has got to be among the most polished R&B/Soul performers Toronto has to offer. Think a mix of Prince, Jimi Hendrix, Stevie Wonder and Marvin Gaye. He's got the stage presence, charisma and sex appeal to do big things.

Other performers included drummer Waleed Abdulhamid, singer/bass guitarist Mike Ferfolia (who wowed them with a dope Stevie Wonder cover) and poet Al St. Louis.

Props go out to resident soulster Hajile Kalaike aka Lotus for putting on a cool weekly event. I was tempted to bumrush the stage and wow the crowd with my own singing prowess. Maybe next time.

Photo: MICHELLE PRITCHARD