Can't be fussed if "welcomed" or not....Went to a soul night in a different part of the country Saturday with some extended family, a bit out of the way for most of yer, in fact we didn't know anyone at all. No one, although "err indoors" did find someone she used to go to Wigan with and I recognised a couple of faces I'd seen at Cleethorpes.
We turned up, paid our money, found a table, got a drink, had a listen, had a dance, got on with it....spoke to a few people etc.
I'd be more uncomfortable with nosey parkers asking who we were / where we were from, are we "soulies"? etc....Go out and make your own enjoyment....unless you are a complete hermit crab you'll end up talking to folk and having a good time.