Sat. Oct 5th, 2024

The Secret of that Authentic American Sound American performers – they’re loud, they’re brash.

But, as any concert goer knows, on stage an American artist will out-perform a British artist every time. Take, for instance, forty five years ago. America wowed the world with tightly-choreographed concert shows by talented Tamla Motown artists The Four Tops, Diana Ross and the Supremes and The Temptations.

The best the UK could offer was Lulu, Dusty Springfield and the Bee Gees. Great artists but not a patch on their American counterparts when it came to performing live.

So, why is it that American artists shine brightest when the follow spots light the stage?

“It goes back to what we’re taught in stage school,” says Florida-raised singer Andre Lejaune, star of hit concert show The Magic of Motown. “The importance of establishing a rapport with the audience is lesson number one.

“You’re forever gauging their reaction. If what you’re doing isn’t gelling, you switch. They’ve paid their money to come and see you, so there must be something in your repertoire that’ll please them.”

Andre puts this invaluable grounding to good use as part of theatre box office smash The Magic of Motown. Featuring slick male harmonies and stunning female vocals, the production honours The Temptations, Diana Ross, The Four Tops, Stevie Wonder and many more Tamla Motown legends.

It was not just the distinctive Motown sound created by founder Berry Gordy Jnr back in 1959 that set the label’s artists apart from all other artists of the era.  For mass market appeal, artistes’ images were carefully controlled from dress and choreography, right down to their manners.

The Magic of Motown demands the same exacting standards from its performers. “And with dozens of costume changes shoe-horned into each show, “ says Andre, “at times there can be just as much going on backstage as there is under the spotlights!”

The Magic of Motown authentically brings to life million-selling hit song following million-selling hit song in one spectacular stage show celebrating the world’s most popular record label.

“The guys have been together for some time now,” says Andre, “and we tour the world with our show.

“However, we know all about the British concert scene – our first break was a gig at Butlins, Skegness!”

Today The Magic of Motown concert show starring Andre is recognised as theUK’s number one Motown concert show on tour in theUKplaying huge arenas and massive open-air festivals.

“We still rehearse once a week – making sure our moves are on point and harmonies spot on,” says Andre. “We’d never want to let an audience down.”

That American grounding raises its head once again. MAGIC OF MOTOWN Saturday 8 December 2012 ~ 8pm BRIGHTON CENTRE Kings Road, Brighton BN1 2GR~ Tickets: £26 & £27.50 Box office:  0844 871 7650   www.atgtickets.com/Brighton   www.easytheatres.com

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By Penny McCarthy

Penny McCarthy is a seasoned entrepreneur and co-founder of Parents News UK, a pioneering publication launched in 1993 to serve the needs of busy parents in Southwest London. Alongside her husband, Fergus McCarthy, Penny played a crucial role in the rapid expansion of the printed edition, which grew from a local startup to a widely circulated monthly publication with a reach of 192,000 copies across Kent, South London, and beyond. Under Penny’s leadership, Parents News quickly became a trusted resource for families, providing valuable information on education, entertainment, sports, and family-friendly events. Her vision helped the publication extend its influence with franchises in Northern Ireland and Cornwall, catering to a growing demand for accessible, family-oriented content. In 1997, recognising the importance of digital media, Penny spearheaded the launch of Parents News UK Online. The website initially mirrored the content of the printed editions and has since evolved into a comprehensive online resource for parents, achieving significant popularity with up to 700 daily hits. In 2017, the publication transitioned fully to an online platform, continuing to inform and engage families across the UK. Today, Penny remains deeply involved in the ongoing success of Parents News UK, focusing on innovative advertising opportunities and future growth plans. Her dedication to supporting families through accessible and practical content has made Parents News a cherished name in households across the country.

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