Rika Fanning: Gospel Soul Series

The Gospel Soul Series, hosted by Debra James Tucker, continues with Rika D. Fanning, a native of Columbus who comes from a long line of God Gifted Musicians. She grew up singing in the church and began writing her own original songs in her teens.She is a 5x KIA (Kingdom Image Award) winner in 2020, 2023, and 2025 in categories for Album, Artist, Instrumentalist, and Producer of the Year. Rika has her own patented band, “SOUL N~ER~G” (pronounced “SOUL ENERGY”) They bring the “soul” wherever they go! She also plays bass & recorded on albums with some of the Very Best! Currently, she is the bassist for Grace Apostolic Church. She continues to play for churches, music groups, choirs, bands & schools both locally and throughout the USA. Her most recent CD single “Don’t Your Ever Cry the Blues” was produced in December 2025! This monthly series is hosted and coordinated by Debra James Tucker, who has received extensive training in jazz, classical and gospel music. She is the writer/performer of the one woman show Survival of the Boulevard Singer—winner of an Ohio Arts Council Award for Individual Excellence, has been a visiting instructor at Denison University in the history of African American Gospel Music, and an artist in residence with several youth arts organizations. Food & Bar: Our full food and drink menu will be available before and during the show.