Tonio Armani and musician Anderson .Paak performed a live rendition of Ray Charles' song "Mess Around" at the Still Lounge.

The performance serves as a tribute to the cultural influence of the 1976 painting "Sugar Shack" by artist Ernie Barnes [1]. By recreating the atmosphere of an intimate venue, the session aims to revive the appeal of 1960s in-house band studio sessions [1].

Still Lounge is designed as an intimate performance space to bridge the gap between visual art and musical execution. The collaboration highlights the intersection of mid-century Black art and the timeless nature of rhythm and blues.

Reports on the production of the session vary. Complex said the performance was under the musical direction of Anderson .Paak [1], while MSN said that Fatima Robinson directed the piece [2]. Despite these differing accounts, the focus remained on the synergy between Armani's performance and the musical accompaniment.

The choice of "Mess Around" aligns with the energetic, communal spirit depicted in Barnes' work. The project also references the 2025 Academy Award-nominated film "Sinners" [1], further connecting the musical event to contemporary cinematic and artistic milestones.

By utilizing a stripped-back environment, the performers sought to capture the raw energy of a live club. This approach mirrors the aesthetic of the "Sugar Shack" painting, which captures a moment of collective joy, and movement within a crowded dance hall.

“Tonio Armani and musician Anderson .Paak performed a live rendition of Ray Charles' song "Mess Around"”

This performance represents a multidisciplinary effort to synthesize visual art, cinema, and music. By anchoring a modern musical session in the legacy of a 1970s painting and 1960s studio culture, the artists are asserting the continuing relevance of Black aesthetic traditions in contemporary media.