You Never Can Say Goodbye to great hits

Once again the Old Firehall Arts Centre presents great Motown music and memories from 1960-1975, on Sept. 8 and 9 at 8 p.m.

In air-conditioned comfort with a licensed bar, the cast of Motown: Never Can Say Goodbye returns after sell-out performances back in June.

Motown ticket organizer Linda Granholm is excited that some of the Canadian Open Golf folks have called to inquire about the Motown event.

"It really could be a terrific way to end a day celebrating golf by enjoying the Old Firehall's intimate night club atmosphere," she said.

Russ Weil, music director and a performer in the show, said the two-hour upbeat show includes the greatest hits of Stevie Wonder, Gladys Knight, The Supremes, The Four Tops, The Temptations, Marvin Gaye, Smokey Robinson.... and many more.

"Motown music is rich with harmonies, and has an insistent pounding rhythm section punctuated by horns and tambourines," said Mr. Weil.

He will be joined on stage by vocalists Cindy Rees Knowles, Andrea Rees and Chantal Barrow - and boy do these cats and kittens sing up a storm.

"The music is really catchy," said Jim Gillard, guitar player in the show. "The last time we played at the Old Firehall venue, our sound operator humorously had trouble hearing the music we were playing over the wonderful melodies coming from our appreciative audience! What more could a performer ask for."

The band consists of a group of talented local musicians who love to play Motown music - Russ Weil (keyboards), Howie MacLean (bass), Jim Gillard (guitar), Dave Russell (drums), and Bil Holinaty (saxophones).

"It's the music of the Funk Brothers, Motown's unsung studio musicians," said Mr. Weil. "The Funk Brothers put the back beat into more number one hits for Barry Gordy and The Motown Label than The Beatles, The Beach Boys, The Rolling Stones and Elvis combined, but no one knew their names."

Musical director Mr. Weil is best known as the founder and artistic director of the Hamilton All Star Jazz Band, lead singer and Hammond B3 player with the Hornets Rhythm and Blues Band, and musical director for many of Theatre Ancaster's shows.

"With hits like Broken Hearted, Heatwave, Tears of a Clown, Baby I Need Your Loving, and Dancing In The Street, there is really something for everyone," said singer Chantal Barrow. "Then add medleys by Stevie Wonder, The Supremes, Gladys Knight and the 4 Tops, and the mood in the room is always superb!"

And yes, if you were one of the many fans who stopped members of the cast in the grocery store or Tim Hortons to request the song Jimmy Mack, you'll find it's in the show on Sept. 8 and 9, along with several other new songs.

There is lots of parking at the Old Firehall Arts Centre, 334 Wilson St. E. in Ancaster. Tickets for the evening are $25 and can be reserved by calling 905-304-TUNE (8863).