New York, NY (Top40 Charts/ Marquee Concerts) This Valentine's weekend Marquee Concerts, the nation's leading promoter of jazz, soul, and R&B musicians, reunites some of the hottest super-groups for its "70's Soul Jam Valentine's Concert" on February 12, 2011 at the Beacon Theatre. Fans of "Soul Train" and the sensational sounds of the '70s won't want to miss this one-time event featuring two shows at 3pm and 8pm.
The LA Music Examiner described the re-emergence of Soul/R&B groups as "evenings packed with much-loved hits that get the crowd moving" and the audience "singing along to every word." "The "70's Soul Jam Valentine's Concert" brings together some of the greatest musicians of the period," notes Sam Kimball, co-founder of Marquee Concerts. "For fans who first fell in love listening to these Soul hits, this will be an unforgettable, once-in-a-lifetime show."
The concert will kick off with Philly soul group THE STYLISTICS, who spun out 12 straight Top Ten hits that included "You Are Everything," "Betcha by Golly, Wow," "I'm Stone in Love With You," "Break Up to Make Up" and "You Make Me Feel Brand New." These crowd-pleasing ballads feature the extraordinary falsetto of Russell Thompkins, Jr.
Detroit-based THE DRAMATICS are best known for their R&B hit "Watcha See Is Watcha Get." The single was the Dramatics' first major national hit, peaking at number three on the R&B charts. The following year their single "In the Rain" shot to the number one spot on the R&B charts.
Jersey City standouts, THE MANHATTANS, sold millions of records over four decades. They won NAFTA's "Most Promising Group" in 1969, and in the late 1970's recorded and released the songs they are best known for, "Kiss and Say Goodbye" and "Shining Star."
"The Manhattans were one of those classic R&B vocal groups who managed to achieve incredible career longevity by adapting their style to fit changing times," writes Steve Huey, Rovi. "Formed in the '60s as a doo wop-influenced R&B quintet, the Manhattans reinvented themselves as sweet, smooth soul balladeers during the '70s."
The "70's Soul Jam Valentine's Concert" also features Philly R&B quintet BLUE MAGIC, who hit the Top 40 of the R&B singles chart with their first three 45s before crossing over with "Sideshow," which went gold, topped the R&B charts, and became a Top Ten pop hit. Their next single, "Three Ring Circus" made the R&B Top Ten and the pop Top 40. Known for their smooth ballads, the group stayed high on the Soul charts with "Stop to Start" and "Chasing Rainbows" before landing a big hit with the dance tune "Magic of the Blue."
Rounding out this impressive bill of artists, Motown favorite NEW BIRTH has its roots in the music of gospel singers Leslie and Melvin Wilson. Their hits include the R&B Top Ten single "I Can Understand It," "It's Been a Long Time," "Wildflower," and R&B hit, "Dream Merchant." New Birth was originally named the NITE-LITERS and had chart action with R&B hits: "K-Jee," "Afro-Strut," and "Pull Together."
Tickets for the Saturday, February 12, 2011 shows at 3pm and 8pm are $45.50, $65.50, and $79.50. The Beacon Theatre is located at 2124 Broadway, New York, NY.
For tickets and information, visit http://www.MarqueeConcerts.com or http://www.Ticketmaster.com. To purchase tickets by phone, call 800-745-3000.
