The THUMP & SOUL SESSION: Keeping Underground Dance Culture Alive in New Bedford

NEW BEDFORD, Mass. - March 17, 2025 - PRLog -- In the heart of Old Bedford Village, a powerful musical movement thrives every third Saturday of the month—a night where rhythm, community, and culture collide in a celebration of deep, Afro, and soulful house music. Hosted by Oversoul Theatre Collective at the Underground Railroad Café & Gallery, The THUMP & SOUL SESSION is more than just a dance event; it is a sanctuary of sound and movement, rooted in the legacy of underground dance gatherings that have long served as safe spaces for artistic and personal expression.

Underground dance venues have historically provided refuge for marginalized communities, offering places where people could come together without judgment, free to express themselves through music and motion. These gatherings, often held in community centers, lofts, and private spaces, weren't about flashy clubs or alcohol sales—they were about the music, the energy, and the collective experience of dance. Legendary venues in New York, Chicago, the DMV, and New Jersey set the foundation for a global movement. The THUMP & SOUL SESSION continues this tradition, creating an inclusive atmosphere where house heads and newcomers alike can lose themselves in the groove.

The night's soundtrack is curated by WAMPTRONICA, featuring The ZYG 808, Mwalim, and DJ Futuractiv. Their sets blend deep house, Afro house, soulful house, with elements of Afrobeats and rare groove, pulling dancers into a trance-like state of rhythm and movement. Mwalim DaPhunkee Professor's deep roots in underground dance culture, having been part of iconic venues in NYC, DC, and Boston since the 1980's, bring undeniable authenticity, bridging generations of house music lovers.

What sets The THUMP & SOUL SESSION apart is its multi-generational appeal, drawing dancers, DJs, and music lovers of all ages. From veteran clubgoers to younger attendees discovering underground dance culture, the event fosters a rare sense of community and connection. During the summer, it moves outdoors to Monte's Park, transforming into a vibrant open-air celebration, reminiscent of the street parties and park jams that shaped house music's legacy.

More than just a party, The THUMP & SOUL SESSION is a movement, keeping underground dance culture alive while carving out a future for safe, music-centered gatherings. By prioritizing sound, movement, and inclusivity, it ensures the essence of true underground dance spaces thrives in New Bedford. Whether inside the Underground Railroad Café & Gallery or under the stars at Monte's Park, the vibe remains the same: good people, good energy, and "The Sound of a Good Time."

On the 3rd Saturday of every month, come be part of an authentic underground dance experience. The next one is April 19th. Visit instagram.com/oversoultcunderground.