Bio
Hoodoo Soul Band began as a side project for several seasoned veterans of the Columbus music scene who wanted an outlet to play Funk and Rhythm and Blues with a horn section. In January of 1995, these players started a weekly residency at Oldfield’s on High (now under a new name) and it quickly became the "place to be" for Columbus, Ohio music scene junkies. In 2008, the group found a new home for their residency at Rumba Cafe on Summit Street and the crowd followed. The Hoodoo audience has always been made up of die hard regulars and curious new-comers. But you'll also see the crowd peppered with local musicians who recognize Sundays at Rumba to be the unspoken scene hangout. On any given Sunday you might also see nationally known touring artists hidden in the crowd or even sitting in with the band when they are on their way through Columbus.
Primarily a cover band, Hoodoo is known for curating a unique set list while giving each song their own original treatment. The players effectively turn soul songs into standards which they deconstruct on the fly, improvising new arrangements in front of the crowd, and introducing audiences to funky, unfamiliar gems that quickly become crowd favorites.
Hoodoo Soul has been direct support for world-class acts passing through Columbus such as Parliament and Ray Charles among many others. But, it's the regular Sunday night residency that is the heartbeat of the band. It is well-known and discussed in every circle of Columbus that Hoodoo has become somewhat of an institution in the city, inspiring a few generations of Columbus' finest bands and players. Most of the group is still made up of the original members but new blood has been introduced over the years. At any given show the line up may change with only the very best players in the city subbing in. The focus is music and the standards are high.
​
Sunday nights are too special to explain. You just have to come experience Hoodoo for yourself. 10pm at Rumba Cafe - 2507 Summit St, Columbus, OH 43202.
"Columbus, Ohio's best
worst-kept secret"
- Everyone