The Museum of Pop Culture (MOPOP) is turning up the volume on Black music history with the debut of its newest exhibition, Never Turn Back: Echoes of African American Music, opening May 17 and running through early 2027. But first, the museum is kicking off in full retro style with its Never Turn Back Opening Party: Soul Train Revival, a one-night-only tribute to the legendary music-dance television series that defined cool from the 1970s through the ’90s.

Set for May 16, the event brings together live performances, classic visuals, and all-night dancing into a celebration that’s equal parts party and cultural homage. Seattle-based R&B artist Andy Stokes will serve as emcee, channeling the charm of Soul Train’s creator and host, Don Cornelius.

The evening features sets from DJ Supreme La Rock, a fixture in Seattle’s music scene and a longtime advocate for classic soul and funk (check him out on KEXP’s Sunday Soul). He’ll bring his crate-digging expertise to the museum’s Sky Church stage, spinning vintage hits and deep cuts that once powered the Soul Train line. Also on deck is Thaddeus Turner & the 206 Ribshack Orchestra, joined by an impressive roster of guest vocalists including Motown alum Bernadette Bascom, Shaina Shepherd of BEARAXE, and King Youngblood’s Cameron Lavi-Jones.

In addition to the music, the party includes a “high-energy tribute” to the Soul Train performances we all tuned in to watch for over three decades, a dance lesson to prep guests for the inevitable Train Line Dance-Off, and screenings of iconic Soul Train performances from artists like Stevie Wonder, Chaka Khan, and The Jackson 5. Specialty cocktails, late-night bites, and themed photo ops throughout the venue will keep you busy when you’re not on the dance floor. 

Never Turn Back

The next day, the spotlight shifts to the exhibit itself. Never Turn Back is an exploration of the ways Gospel, Blues, Jazz, and Soul have shaped—and continue to shape—American culture. Through rare recordings, historic imagery, film, and interactive listening stations, the exhibition offers a layered look at the influence of artists such as the Fisk Jubilee Singers, Aretha Franklin, John Lee Hooker, and Mahalia Jackson.

On the day’s bill is the panel, Jackson Street Soul: The legacy of Jazz in Seattle, moderated by exhibition curator Adeerya Johnson and featuring local jazz luminaries Dr. James Gore, vocalist Jacqueline Tabor, and historian Stephanie Johnson-Toliver. Live music continues throughout the day and there will also be a sneak peek at “After Midnight” the new production from the 5th Avenue Theatre.

The exhibition runs through early 2027. For tickets and a full schedule of events, visit mopop.org.