Post by Jonel on Jul 30, 2004 8:36:23 GMT -5
Thursday, July 29, 2004
Tempting sounds at the Smith: Motown singers to perform in Geneva on Sept. 3
By BRYAN ROTH
Times Staff Writer
fltimes@fltimes.com
GENEVA — The Smith Opera House will revive the Motown era in a night of classic songs with a performance by The Legendary Lead Singers of the Temptations.
The 8 p.m. Sept. 3 show will feature Glenn Leonard — a member of the Temptations from 1975 to 1983 — who sings lead tenor. His band-mates include Kareem Ali, Darnell Carter, Freddy Black and John Devon. While Leonard is the lone ex-Temptation with the Lead Singers, the other four members have all performed with other Temptations groups in Europe and with former Temptations Damon Harris, Richard Street and Ali Woodson.
“It’s a very energetic, top-of-the-line group,” said Leonard. “We give [the audience] the hits.”
As part of their performance, the Lead Singers will offer such songs as “I Can’t Get Next To You,” “Just My Imagination,” “My Girl,” “Papa was a Rolling Stone” and “The Way You Do The Things You Do.”
In his eight years with the Temptations, Leonard was part of 10 albums and sang lead on many songs including “Ever Ready Love” and “Silent Night.” He also was involved with the Temptations Reunion Tour in 1982, performing with Otis Williams, Melvin Franklin, Dennis Edwards, Richard Street, Eddie Kendrick and David Ruffin.
Before beginning to front the Lead Singers two years ago, Leonard spent 18 years as a pastor in Texas. After becoming a Born Again Christian following his departure from the Temptations, he entered into ministry and was licensed in 1986. Leonard was later ordained and received a doctoral degree in the early 1990s and then founded a church in Houston where he was pastor.
Citing fame and fortune as motivating factors during his stint with the Temptations, Leonard stepped away from the spotlight to take on “other things.”
“Your success and legend can become your prison,” he said. “I just reached a point that after all the years of travel, I needed a break and I went back to the church to fill the void.”
During the time with his church, Leonard gave back to the community by working with children. He said that part of being famous is providing a moral image and to act as a role model, which he tries to continue today.
Leonard is trying to create a school for young artists to help teach them about the entertainment business with focus on public relations, management and other business skills.
Recalling Motown’s artist development program — similar to what he is trying to do — Leonard said artists today don’t have the same class as those when he was with the Temptations and that’s why people are still drawn to the group’s “old school” music.
Local ticket sales for the performance have reflected that interest, with about 100 tickets sold in the opening two weeks. Smith Executive Director Kevin Schoonover said he hopes to sell out the auditorium, which can seat about 1,400.
“It’s a big show for us. We don’t usually present large-scale shows,” Schoonover said. “We’re really hoping to do it up right.”
Schoonover said the last time the Smith put on a show equal in stature was in 1999 when Chuck Mangione came to Geneva. Attracting people from Ithaca, Syracuse, Rochester and all over the Finger Lakes, Schoonover said this show will key in on 40- to 60-year olds, an audience that doesn’t often have shows at the Smith geared toward them.
While the Lead Singers will offer plenty to those who remember the group, Leonard said their show can be enjoyed by all.
“We give people the chance to go back in time and enjoy the era that was refreshing to all of us,” he said. “The Motown era left its mark on our world that has not ended.”
Tickets for The Legendary Lead Singers of the Temptations can be bought at the Smith Opera House and cost $10 for students and seniors and $15 for general admission. Call (866) 355-LIVE for more information.
Courtesy of Finger Lakes Times Online, Geneva, NY
www.fltimes.com/Main.asp?SectionID=38&SubSectionID=121&ArticleID=5397
Tempting sounds at the Smith: Motown singers to perform in Geneva on Sept. 3
By BRYAN ROTH
Times Staff Writer
fltimes@fltimes.com
GENEVA — The Smith Opera House will revive the Motown era in a night of classic songs with a performance by The Legendary Lead Singers of the Temptations.
The 8 p.m. Sept. 3 show will feature Glenn Leonard — a member of the Temptations from 1975 to 1983 — who sings lead tenor. His band-mates include Kareem Ali, Darnell Carter, Freddy Black and John Devon. While Leonard is the lone ex-Temptation with the Lead Singers, the other four members have all performed with other Temptations groups in Europe and with former Temptations Damon Harris, Richard Street and Ali Woodson.
“It’s a very energetic, top-of-the-line group,” said Leonard. “We give [the audience] the hits.”
As part of their performance, the Lead Singers will offer such songs as “I Can’t Get Next To You,” “Just My Imagination,” “My Girl,” “Papa was a Rolling Stone” and “The Way You Do The Things You Do.”
In his eight years with the Temptations, Leonard was part of 10 albums and sang lead on many songs including “Ever Ready Love” and “Silent Night.” He also was involved with the Temptations Reunion Tour in 1982, performing with Otis Williams, Melvin Franklin, Dennis Edwards, Richard Street, Eddie Kendrick and David Ruffin.
Before beginning to front the Lead Singers two years ago, Leonard spent 18 years as a pastor in Texas. After becoming a Born Again Christian following his departure from the Temptations, he entered into ministry and was licensed in 1986. Leonard was later ordained and received a doctoral degree in the early 1990s and then founded a church in Houston where he was pastor.
Citing fame and fortune as motivating factors during his stint with the Temptations, Leonard stepped away from the spotlight to take on “other things.”
“Your success and legend can become your prison,” he said. “I just reached a point that after all the years of travel, I needed a break and I went back to the church to fill the void.”
During the time with his church, Leonard gave back to the community by working with children. He said that part of being famous is providing a moral image and to act as a role model, which he tries to continue today.
Leonard is trying to create a school for young artists to help teach them about the entertainment business with focus on public relations, management and other business skills.
Recalling Motown’s artist development program — similar to what he is trying to do — Leonard said artists today don’t have the same class as those when he was with the Temptations and that’s why people are still drawn to the group’s “old school” music.
Local ticket sales for the performance have reflected that interest, with about 100 tickets sold in the opening two weeks. Smith Executive Director Kevin Schoonover said he hopes to sell out the auditorium, which can seat about 1,400.
“It’s a big show for us. We don’t usually present large-scale shows,” Schoonover said. “We’re really hoping to do it up right.”
Schoonover said the last time the Smith put on a show equal in stature was in 1999 when Chuck Mangione came to Geneva. Attracting people from Ithaca, Syracuse, Rochester and all over the Finger Lakes, Schoonover said this show will key in on 40- to 60-year olds, an audience that doesn’t often have shows at the Smith geared toward them.
While the Lead Singers will offer plenty to those who remember the group, Leonard said their show can be enjoyed by all.
“We give people the chance to go back in time and enjoy the era that was refreshing to all of us,” he said. “The Motown era left its mark on our world that has not ended.”
Tickets for The Legendary Lead Singers of the Temptations can be bought at the Smith Opera House and cost $10 for students and seniors and $15 for general admission. Call (866) 355-LIVE for more information.
Courtesy of Finger Lakes Times Online, Geneva, NY
www.fltimes.com/Main.asp?SectionID=38&SubSectionID=121&ArticleID=5397
