Uptown Soul Brings Bold
By Nick Nicholas with Wes Hessel
“Uptown: A Celebration of Motown and Soul” was a concert event by the band Uptown – they are an stunning American music band from New York City. Three world class soloists – Ali, Alfred, and Derrick – came together and put on a show that brought the house down at the Center of the Performing Arts at Governors State University. Experienced, talented, confident, and attractive, they put on show paying tribute to upbeat and memorable classics of the Motown songbook, songs so genuine and great they have withstood the test of time and by the sounds of it, they will be around for decades to come.
Uptown sang and danced in absolutely perfect harmony and synchronicity with powerful vocals and MTV caliber wall-to-wall choreography, keeping it real on all levels. Backed by an outstanding band of seven Chicago musicians, three on brass, two guitars, a synthesizer, and drums, their timing and cues didn’t miss a beat in this 90 minute production of a high energy, uplifting show, which had the full venue on its feet dancing and singing along when asked to.
With their music enhanced by a light design the level of a major concert, set design that framed and enhanced the performers, we were all VIP guests center stage entertained to the utmost with talent, respect, civility, and appreciation for us, the audience. This group was there for us and were ours the whole run of the show and then some. When one takes on to sing such revered classics, not only must they meet the high bar these songs have set in our acoustic memory, but they must make it sound new, fresh, and original. Uptown did that and more. They owned the songs and the stage, not only living up to but surpassing expectations by not just putting on a fresh and effervescent show of the highest caliber, but also keeping this golden era of Motown alive, which gave birth to most all contemporary music afterwards.
Uptown is an awesome offering to new and old audiences as they work to develop their new original music and songs. It’s rare that one experiences song, dance, and music of this class, and even more rare that the artists take to the lobby after the show, giving up from their time to enjoy the applause so they can thank us, the audience, as are leaving the theater, and joyfully make themselves intimately available to take a photo with and share a smile.
It is truly exhilarating to watch up close and personal a performer who has just put on a show with divine inspiration and genuine talent. If one is planning a trade show, industry convention, company, or gala private event, and is looking for headline entertainment, consider booking Uptown – your success is guaranteed. Or if you are looking for an entertainment extravaganza, check Uptown’s schedule for their upcoming dates at www.facebook.com/uptownsoul.
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