SPRINGFIELD — After bringing Latin flare to their last two concerts, the Springfield Symphony Orchestra turns its attention to Detroit and Philadelphia in a pops concert on Saturday devoted to Motown and the Philly Sound.
“Let’s Groove Tonight” sees the return of an evening concert, set for 7:30 p.m., at Springfield Symphony Hall. The concert will feature three guest vocalists with extensive repertoires — Cherise Coaches, Brik Liam and Jeremy Keith — and the return of guest conductor William Waldrop.
“I love coming back to Springfield to conduct the SSO. What keeps me coming back are the stellar people I get to work with and engage with—the musicians and the orchestra staff, the team at Symphony Hall, and the patrons. The musicians at the Springfield Symphony Orchestra play with such heart, musicality and overall excellence. I always feel a great sense of trust from this orchestra and that allows us to really enjoy making music together,” Waldrop said.
” I also love the connection this orchestra has with its audiences — the concerts always feel celebratory, deeply appreciated, and connected to the community in a very special way. All that makes me want to come back many times,” he added.
Heather Caisse-Roberts, president and CEO of the Springfield Symphony Orchestra, called the Motown and Philly Sound “fearless” and “soulful” in a press statement.
“This is bold, energetic, music that changed culture and still hits just as hard today,” she said in a statement. “What makes the night even more powerful is doing it alongside our partners at MLK, Jr. Family Services and the Young Professional Society. This concert is about sound, soul, and community coming together in a way that only live music can.”
Motown and the Philly Sound are iconic soul and R&B genres from the 1960s and ’70s that garnered legendary hit songs, both emphasizing smooth vocals and catchy melodies. Motown, which originated in Detroit, focused on polished pop-soul with artists like The Supremes, The Temptations, and Marvin Gaye, while the Philly Sound, originated in Philadelphia. was spearheaded by groups like Gamble & Huff and MFSB (Mother Father Sister Brother).
Saturday’s concert will feature hits by The Spinners, The Stylistics, The Temptations, Marvin Gaye, Lou Rawls, Diana Ross, Gamble & Huff, Percy Sledge and more.
Famous hits from the Philly Sound will include “Ain’t No Stopping Us Now,” “You’ll Never Find A Love Like Mine,” “Rock The Boat” and ” “Love Train,” joined by Motown staples including “What’s Going On,” “I Heard It Through the Grapevine,” and “I’m Coming Out.”
Waldrop said he agreed to come back to conduct “Let’s Groove Tonight” because the music is “irresistible.”
“These songs that came out of the Philly Sound and Motown are all about joy, rhythm, good songwriting and fantastic arranging — all that translates so well to an orchestra. I love that this program celebrates music that is sophisticated and deeply crafted but always makes you want to dance and have a great time,” Waldrop said.
“I feel like Motown perfected the art of the song. These songs were about unforgettable melodies, economic but impactful structures, and dynamite performances. The Philly sound took a soul foundation and expanded it, adding lush string and horn arrangements, rich harmonies, and grooves that eventually led to disco. The arrangements and orchestrations really elevated the songs. I think both Motown and the Philly sound helped pave the way for the pop, R&B, and dance music that we know and love today,” he added.
As for the disco movement, Waldrop noted he was always drawn to the epic nature of the genre.
“It’s the sweeping melodies, the strings, the singers, all added to grooves that were so satisfying. Some of my favorites are Anita Ward’s ‘Ring My Bell,’ ‘Don’t Leave Me This Way,’ which is on our concert, and, of course, ‘Last Dance’ by Donna Summer. As for Motown, l love the Temptations and the Supremes… such artistry and musicality all around,” he said.
In order to create the familiar sounds of both genres, the orchestra is augmented with a rhythm section, which Waldrop said is a crucial component for any of the songs on the program.
“The show travels with a drummer and bass guitar player, then a pianist and guitarist from SSO will round out the section. This core group really helps to anchor the arrangements and create the authentic feel for so many of these charts. Of course, the Philly charts were already built for a big orchestra — so that aligns perfectly,” he said.
The SSO is hosting the pops concert during the weekend of the Martin Luther King Jr. national holiday and the Springfield-based community organization, MLK Jr. Family Services, will be the SSO’s nonprofit partner for the event. MLK Jr. Family Services will have a table set up in the lobby promoting their annual MLK Day event and the programs and services they provide throughout the year. Concertgoers can also stop by their table to sign up for door prizes that will include items from the SSO, MLK Jr. Family Services, and the Young Professional Society of Greater Springfield (YPS).
Upstairs in the Mahogany Room, there will be a vendor market featuring the YPS and a variety of Black-owned businesses in the spirit of MLK weekend. There also will be a photobooth for concertgoers to enjoy.
Tickets for “Let’s Groove Tonight” are now on sale, starting at $25, online at SpringfieldSymphony.org, or by calling the SSO Box Office at 413-733-2291.
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