Soulful vocalists LaRhonda Steele and Ronnie Wright, joined by Portland’s premier soul collective PDX Soul Collective, bring a powerful blend of authenticity, spirituality, and groove to the stage — reviving the roots of soul while pushing its boundaries.
LaRhonda Steele, a blues and gospel singer and songwriter, is recognized as one of the region’s finest rhythm and blues vocalists. She has been dubbed “The First Lady of Portland Blues” — a title of leadership that she lives up to as she shares songs that carry forth directly from her soul and spiritual life force. She currently fronts the LaRhonda Steele band, is the music director of the non-profit Portland Interfaith Gospel Choir, and is the music director of the Portland Center for Spiritual Living. LaRhonda regularly lights up the stage at the Waterfront Blues Festival, Alberta Rose Theatre, and clubs around town. LaRhonda’s voice can be enjoyed on recordings of such national and international artists as Gino Vannelli, Curtis Salgado, Lloyd Jones, Mary Flower, and Norman Sylvester.
Ronnie Wright is a visionary artist whose deep spirituality and love for family fuel his creativity. Raised in a home that nurtured artistic exploration, music quickly became more than a passion — it became part of his identity. His collaborative 2015 release Bespeak Love topped the UK Soul Charts and earned him Artist of the Year from SoulTracks.com. His 2018 solo debut Bespeak was voted Album of the Year by Groundbreakers.com and received multiple accolades from the indie radio community. In 2021, Ronnie released Bespeak Empower, a vibrant collection showcasing top Northwest talent across soul, funk, R&B, and gospel. His music is grounded in intention and purpose, serving as both a personal testimony and a gift to listeners.
PDX Soul Collective is a Portland-based soul collective inspired by the golden era of the 1960s. Led by trumpeter Farnell Newton and featuring guitarist Gus Berry, keyboardist/bassist Michael Elson, and drummer Tyrone Hendrix, PDX Soul Collective draws from legends like Otis Redding, The Chi-Lites, The Isley Brothers, Lee Fields, and Sharon Jones. Their sound is marked by tight grooves, soulful brass, rich harmonies, and a timeless message. PDX Soul Collective is more than a band — it’s a movement to rekindle Portland’s soul legacy with fresh energy and purpose.
Together, LaRhonda Steele, Ronnie Wright, and PDX Soul Collective deliver a soul-drenched, deeply personal, and spiritually resonant live experience that connects generations and communities through music.
