Heard it Through the Grapevine: A Tribute to the Music of Motown

and

The Via Family

Show Description

April 15/16 2010

“Exhilarating, amazing, uplifting, joyously impressive - the standing-ovation, packed the Williamsport's beautiful Community Arts Center This organization is Williamsport's gem.”
- Marian Craig

On April 14th 1960, a Detroit songwriter and music producer named Berry Gordy Jr. opened the doors to what would become one of the biggest and most influential record labels in the world, Motown Records. Motown Records was the first record label owned by an African American to primarily feature African-American artists who achieved crossover success. In the 1960s, Motown and its soul-based subsidiaries were the most successful proponents of what came to be known as “The Motown Sound,” a style of soul music with a distinct pop influence.

From 1961 to 1971, Motown had 110 top 10 hits, and artists such as Stevie Wonder, Marvin Gaye, The Supremes, The Four Tops, and The Jackson 5, were all signed to the Motown label. In addition to the songwriting prowess of the writers and producers, one of the major factors in the widespread appeal of Motown's music was Gordy's practice of using a highly select and tight-knit group of studio musicians, collectively known as "The Funk Brothers", to record the instrumental or "band" tracks of a majority of Motown recordings.

Students ranging in age from 12 to 20 (and one very young in spirit 50+ student), many of whom couldn’t have named a Motown song prior working on this show, performed some of the greatest hits from Motown's amazing catalog of songs. Heard it through the Grapevine is a departure from the Uptown Music Collective’s usual rock based performances and so has been a great educational vehicle for the schools students. Through the course of three months of preparations, students have struggled to correctly interpret the rhythms, vocal harmonies and melodic embellishments which make this music so compelling. At the same time striving to perform the music with intensity and emotion with the goal of delivering a powerful and memorable performance.

Check out Pictures at the Uptown Music Collective's Picasa Web Album

As with all Uptown Music Collective performances, the students are not only the performers, but also direct the show. There is also a group of younger students who serve as stage technicians, spot light operators, video operators, ticket takers and merchandise sales people. The student leadership committee for this show includes Co-directors Bryan Stillman (Freshman, Lycoming College), Josh Hines (Senior, Jersey Shore High School) and Amanda Miller (Senior, Montoursville High School) along with Jonah Walters (Junior, Lewisburg High School), Collin Dennen (Junior, Sullivan County High School) Kelsey Cantor (Senior, Loyalsock High) and Kelsey Silvagni (Junior, St. John Neuman Regional Acadamy).

Heard it through the Grapevine was sponsored in part by the Fairfield Auto Group and the Via Family. The Uptown Music Collective would like to thank all of its Performance Program Sponsors, including: The Fairfield Auto Group, Superior Plus Energy Services, The Rockoff Family, The Via Family, Jersey Shore State Bank and McNerney, Page, Vanderlin and Hall. Your gererous support is what allows us to provide the high impact musical experiences that change lives, thank you!

HEARD IT THROUGH THE GRAPEVINE SET LIST

HEARD IT THROUGH THE GRAPEVINE SHOW PROGRAM

Quotes From UMC Student Performers - - - - -

“I’m looking forward to the Jackson 5 songs. They are non-stop fun! It’s going to be a good time!” – Brianna Pete, Age 17, Vocals

“Through the process of this show, beyond learning the songs, I have learned a lot about the cultural impact that these Motown songs have had on society.” Kelsey Silvagni, Age 16, Vocals

“Before the rehearsals for this show started, I really didn’t know a lot about Motown except for Stevie Wonder. I have learned that Motown is awesome! A lot different than the music I am used too but I like it a lot! Don’t step on the funk!” – Dylan Rockoff, Age 15, Guitar and Vocals

“I’ve always liked the music of Motown. It reminds me of when I was a kid and brings back great memories.” – Mark Dougherty, Age 56, Guitar

“Listening to Motown is something I probably wouldn’t have picked up on my own. It’s cool because it’s something different for me.” – Zane Cohick, Age 20, Guitar

“Being a bass player in this show has been very challenging, but fun. I’ve learned a lot from the difficulty of these songs.” – Levi Stover, Age 15, Bass

“I have really enjoyed being on the leadership committee. It’s both fun and encouraging to see kids my own age and younger give up their Friday nights to come in and work on music they may have never listened to on their own. I feel that everyone, including myself, has gotten a deeper appreciation for the music of Motown. It’s going to be the best Collective show to date!” – Kelsey Cantor, Age 17, Bass

“Motown is full of very catchy tunes that make you just want to get up and dance. I hope that the community will enjoy the music as much as the students of UMC do and remember the music that has inspired us as musicians.” – Amanda Miller, Age 17, Vocals/Dance

“It’s cool to put on a show like this because it is the first time students are putting on a full scale performance that isn’t based on rock music. I really enjoyed introducing myself to soul and R&B music for this show” – Collin Dennen, Age 17, Bass/Vocals

“Motown captured the spirit and imagination of American music during the 60s. A time in American society that was marked by turmoil. It’s an honor to perform the music that inspired and empowered so many.” Bryan Stillman, Age 17, Sax