Post by Jonel on Apr 30, 2002 21:00:28 GMT -5
Sunday started off cool and rainy. The concert would be at 7:30 that evening in Roanoke, but there was much to do before then. I decided to wear the same thing to the concert that I wore to church, so I just packed a toiletry bag to freshen up before the hour ride after youth group at 5. I decided on a long skirt (a black and gold wrinkle free knit) a sleeveless black rib knit cowl neck sweater and my short silk black jacket with the ¾ sleeves. The drive down to Roanoke started out cloudy, but then the sun peeked through and we wove in between the transfer trucks until the exit to Williamson Road. We drove for a few miles down what used to be the main thoroughfare before the freeway was built around the city. We stopped for a quick bite to eat at Arby’s. I had roast beef and John had a grilled chicken salad. No trip to the big city would have been complete without shopping, so we made a quick detour to Books A Million so that I could avoid another internet order from Barnes & Noble. By then it was 6:20 and we were on schedule to arrive at the venue in plenty of time for the show. The Roanoke Civic Center has a Coliseum and an Auditorium. The Temptations and Marvelettes were to be at the Auditorium www.roanokeciviccenter.com/html/abaud.html . The event was not sold out, in fact I’d say the 2,400 seat auditorium was only about half full. It was a good crowd, but reserved--similar to the crowd at Wolf Trap in audience response level. The car parked, we made our way to the turnstile and around to the left to door 1. Our 3rd row seats left no one to block our view of the stage. Not long after we sat down and made friends with the people next to us, Vic and Adrian began tuning up their instruments. Then Kerry appeared with the bass guitar. Kerry’s jacket was beautiful and interesting. What appeared to be a soft black fabric would catch the light in the folds at his shoulder and arm where he held the guitar and reflected an iridescent green. The sound person checked the microphones and then Buster came to the drums and the house lights dimmed. Finally, the spotlight was on the announcer who introduced The Marvelettes www.bookingentertainment.com/Marvelettes_photopage.html. I really enjoyed this group. They were so energetic and talented. They had the moves, the voices and legs akin to Tina Turner. They opened with “Too Many Fish in the Sea”. They really sang it out and danced…….my my, those ladies could really move! Next was “Beechwood 4-5789” and then they did “Rolling on a River”. “Don’t Mess With Bill” was just a stitch as they used Kerry and Adrian to perform a skit and then included a audience member in the fun. The lucky gentleman aka “Bill” really hammed it up, dancing and singing with the ladies. The group ended their performance with “Please Mr. Postman” and the crowd just loved them. I joined the audience in a standing ovation. They were GREAT! and I loved the participation of the band members. The comedy was entertaining and got the crowd ready for the main show.
