This January and February, Duke University presents Soul Power, a series of concerts and discussions centered on a uniquely American form of music.

The events aim to show how individuals, societal events, and musical innovations intertwined to create a new and powerful genre.

Seven concerts, including King Britt, Mavis Staples, and ?uestlove, and nine events trace the evolution of soul music and look ahead to the future of the style.

Within the last week, Triangle residents have had the opportunity to discuss industry trends with two artists who are both talented musicians and producers.

On Friday, Feb. 22, fans gathered at the Nasher Museum of Art for a panel discussion with ?uestlove and 9th Wonder that focused on the sampling of soul music in hip-hop.

The event was moderated by Duke professor Mark Anthony Neal, author of “Soul Babies: Black Popular Culture and the Post-Soul Aesthetic.

Following the conversation, students and locals were treated to a free concert and dance party. mass communication junior Raena Boston described the event as an upbeat mix of people from the Durham community.

The musicians played classic songs followed by their more recent remixes.

“It was amazing, They spoke about the essence of hip hop, it was a fantastic seminar,” said Charellitta Lewis, political science sophomore.

Other events have focused on historical figures in the history of soul music.

The influence of James “Thunder” Early, Jr. Walker, and Barkley Hendricks were discussed in interactive panels.

Musicians also discussed the cities that played an integral part in the development of black music, namely Detroit, Philadelphia and Memphis.

On Friday, soul music enthusiasts can enjoy a conversation with Grammy-Award-winning artist Booker T. Jones.

The Tennessee native has worked with some of the most influential artists of the 20th century, including Willie Nelson and Bob Dylan. Following the discussion, The Maceo Parker Band and the Booker T. Jones Band will perform in Duke’s Page Auditorium. Both bands are known for their ability to seamlessly combine funk and soul music in a way that captivates audiences from around the country.

Each piece captures the attitude and soul of its urban subjects.