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The Sensational Soul Cruisers perform "Soultown to Motown” at Suffolk Theater on April 21. COURTESY THE SUFFOLK
The Suffolk Theater presents “Soultown to Motown” on Friday, April 21, at 8 p.m. As evidenced by the name, the music focuses on iconic classic soul and Motown tunes from the period of time generally between the birth of Motown in 1960 to the release of Michael Jackson’s all-time best-selling “Thriller” album in 1983.
Under the tutelage of legendary Jersey Shore saxophonist screamin’ Steve Barlotta, the show is backed by the Sensational Soul Cruisers. The show features 11 performers including a horn section, keyboardists, four vocalists, and an incredible rock and soul rhythm section — all recreating a note-for-note duplication of these classic tunes, complete with choreography, from the early pioneers of Motown, Stax Records, Carolina Beach Music and The Sound of Philadelphia.
Throughout the show, audiences will hear the sounds of artists like: Four Tops, Temptations, Jackson 5, Smokey Robinson, Sly and the Family Stone, The Spinners, Earth Wind & Fire, Edwin Starr, Sam & Dave, Carl Carton, Otis Redding, The Delfonics, Marvin Gaye, Harold Melvin & the Blue Notes, The Manhattans, Barry White, The Commodores, The Stylistics, and many more soulful gems and surprises. The show touches on the crème de la crème of this vast catalogue from the Doo-Wop sounds of the Flamingos “I Only Have Eyes for You” to “Ladies Night” by Kool and the Gang. This show transcends generations making it one to be loved by all!
Tickets are $55 to $65 at thesuffolk.org. The Suffolk is at 118 East Main Street, Riverhead.
Staff Writer on Apr 10, 2023