March 24, 2022 – Millikin University’s Kirkland Fine Arts Center will welcome back alumnus Brian Owens, Class of 2001, for a special performance on Saturday, April 2, 2022, at 7:30 pm.
Singer, songwriter and dedicated community activist, Brian Owens’ collaboration with the Life Creative Group features a unique blend of gospel, soul, hip-hop and pop music. With inspiration from Otis Redding, Stevie Wonder, Michael McDonald, Johnny Cash and Sam Cooke, Owens delivers his own interpretation of the classic R&B sound.
As a community advocate, Owens is the founder and executive director of L.I.F.E. Arts Inc. (Leadership, Innovation, Faith and Entrepreneurship), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that provides artistic resources, opportunities, mentoring and positive experiences to help students in underserved communities throughout Ferguson and the St. Louis, Mo., metropolitan area to access consistent and localized programs, experiences and infrastructure.
Additionally, Owens serves as the community music artist in residence with the E. Desmond Lee Fine Arts Collaborative at the University of Missouri–St. Louis.
A native of Belleville, Ill., Owens released his debut EP in 2008 titled “The Cole Sessions EP” and released “Moods and Messages” in 2012. He released a few other albums in 2014 including a soundtrack called “Preach,” and in 2017 released a country album on Nia Music Distribution, LLC., titled “Soul of Cash” featuring performances of songs made famous by country music icon Johnny Cash.
Owens’ most recent album, “Love Came Down,” was released in 2019. He’s been hailed by Rolling Stone magazine as a “vibrant soul singer” who “bridges a racial and generational divide.”
For more information about Brian Owens, visit brianowenssoul.com/.
Tickets for the concert are $15-$25 or free with a Millikin Student ID. Tickets can be purchased online, over the phone or in person at the Kirkland Fine Arts Center Ticket Office between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. Tuesday-Friday. For further ticket information, contact the Kirkland Ticket Office at 217.424.6318 or visit kirklandfinearts.com.
