“A Christmas with The Temptations and The Four Tops” will bring classic Motown music to the Bryce Jordan Center in association with Downtown State College at 7:30 tonight.
Known for easily recognizable and catchy songs, like “My Girl,” The Temptations formed in Detroit almost 40 years ago and quickly rose to R&B fame with its harmonization skills and smooth dance moves.
The Temptations have won multiple Grammy Awards, been inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and have influenced all types of music today. The group’s hit “Get Ready” was even sampled by Fergie of The Black Eyed Peas in her track from 2006, “Here I Come.”
The Four Tops join The Temptations in its success within the same genre originating around the same time, during the 1960s and 1970s. “I Can’t Help Myself (Sugar Pie Honey Bunch)” is a instant classic that most people know the lyrics to.
Kevin Laubscher is a fan of both bands and wished he had heard more about the concert.
“The both have a way of harmonizing and coming together and they also have a strong brass section backing them up and that’s something different,” Laubscher (junior-security risk management said). “This concert will also allow for people with different interests to get a better taste of their music.”
Marvin Johnson, who grew up with The Temptations Christmas music playing on a loop at his home during the holiday season supported the concert, but wished he had the opportunity to see the original line-up of the group.
“It’s still important to look at mo-town in general because it revolutionized music into what is today’s r&b is,” Johnson (junior-psychology and spanish) said.
George Arnold, executive director of the Down Town State College Improvement District, said the borough parking department helped in bringing the concert to State College, which will allow each ticket holder free parking for the night.
Arnold said he hopes the concert will also drive visitors to enjoy holiday shopping in State College this weekend.
“If there was a choice between going to a concert in Pittsburgh, Philadelphia or State College we know the clear choice between them,” Arnold said.
Tickets are available at the Bryce Jordan Center, the Eisenhower Auditorium, Penn State Downtown Theatre and online at ticketmaster.com and is $20 for Penn State students and those under 18. For reserved intimate theatre seating the tickets are $49.75 and $39.75 for senior citizens 65 and older.
Doors for the concert open at 6:30 p.m.
