For the third year in a row, the DeBartolo Performing Arts Center hosted “A Tribute to Motown.” I attended the first iteration two years ago, which was then located in the Patricia George Decio Theatre with space for 350 music fans. This year, “Motown” was held in the Leighton Concert Hall, providing space for over double the amount of attendees.
The move across the hall was well worth it. The crowd grew, and so did the “Motown” show.
When I decided to see the original “Motown,” I wasn’t sure what to expect. I timidly walked over to DPAC alone and stood in will call, since I had underestimated the turnout for the event, and watched as fan after fan streamed in. Most were dressed to the nines and ready to witness Black excellence in the form of that night’s tribute show.
Now, “Motown” has become more than just a one-off show. Members of the South Bend community (and myself) purchased tickets well before the week of the show to score a ticket for the celebration of the month. The show itself has become a true staple of DPAC, and in addition to being hosted during Black History Month, “Motown” brings in artists from the South Bend area and beyond to showcase their talent through the classic hits that emerged from the famous Detroit record label. Background vocalists and a full band graced the stage to accompany every artist.
“Motown” feels exactly like a family cookout — people are enjoying food and drinks, listening to good, soul music and dancing like no one is watching. Although the older “Motown” crowd hesitated to stand up and dance, Leighton was filled with groove as DJ Macmane played the hits from the choral terrace behind the main stage. Motown lovers from all eras were present as DJ Macmane did a roll call, spanning from the “50s babies” to the “2000s kids.”
“Whatchu know about this music?” The lady next to me asked as I stood up and danced to Marvin Gaye’s “Got to Give It Up.”
“More than enough,” I replied. She had heard me shout for the last roll call, exposing myself as one of the youngest people in the room. She smiled at me and grabbed my hand. At an event like “Motown,” age doesn’t matter. What matters is the way the music makes you feel.
Emorja Roberson served as the host for the night. Roberson was the first African American to obtain a master of sacred music in vocal performance and a doctor of musical arts in choral conducting from the University of Notre Dame. Dressed in a Dapper Dan “DAP GAP” hoodie, he led the night and brought us to church. He even did a church roll call for all of the believers in the audience.
This year’s event presented five artists who told stories and worked the crowd.
Returner and crowd favorite Janet Gunn did renditions of Gladys Knight & the Pips, singing the original version of “I Heard It Through the Grapevine” and “If I Were Your Woman.” Each time, she emerged in a new outfit and sang directly to the audience. Darryl Buchanan, a South Bend native who toured with The Temptations and Richard Street, played The Miracles and Marvin Gaye.
Larry “Choclett P” Redding performed Otis Redding and Troy T. Thomas Jr. performed “Reach Out, I’ll Be There” by the Four Tops. After their solo hits, the pair collaborated for a rendition of “I Wish” by Stevie Wonder. Terrilyn Douglas, from Gary, Indiana, sang classics and even brought the night to the 1980s with “Square Biz” by Teena Marie.
Showing respect through clapping, dancing and words of praise, “Motown” enjoyed an interactive crowd. Leighton Concert Hall was filled with love and the music of Motown. This event has the following to become a certified DPAC classic.
My only caveat? Having to hope that I can make it back to South Bend next February to see “Motown” once again.
