The Temptations Set To Appear At Hobart Arena 12/10

The Kings Of the Motown Sound ... The Temptations ... are coming to southwestern Ohio.

The Interstate 75 corridor, specifically, Troy's Hobart Arena, will play host to a one-time Ohio concert on Thursday, Dec. 10. Hobart Arena is located just one mile east of the I-75/State Rte. 41 interchange.

"When we found out the group would take a break from their regular schedule in Las Vegas and hit the concert tour during the holidays. We simply stepped up and said ... ‘What about Troy, Ohio?' ... We think this is pretty amazing," said Ken Siler, Hobart Arena manager.

"It could be a chance of a lifetime," Siler added. "Otis Williams, the only living original member of the band, still performs with the group."

People that are now seeing balding and graying hair might best remember the band that gave THE meaning to American Contemporary Pop; one of the "founding-father" bands that ignited the Motown Sound; but their songs and their on-stage choreographed numbers continue to draw audiences of all ages.

The performance, "A Holiday Evening with The Temptations," will be at 8 p.m. with doors for all reserved seating opening one hour before the show.

"We come to have a party on stage," William said of the internationally-renowned group said.

"We have a ball and love to interact with the audience," he added. "We look for the smiles, the tears, and the emotions ... bringing back the memories of the 60's and even the 70's."

During the past four-plus decades, The Temptations have wowed sold-out concert venues, reliving the past and still adding hits to their long-line of golden and platinum music sales.

Winners of four Grammy awards and members of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, the group will take its "Temptations Christmas Show" on the road, and will perform throughout the U.S. on this limited concert schedule. Only 2,850 seats will be sold for this one-time appearance. Tickets are $62 for stage front; $45 for floor seating; and $30 for arena seating. All seats are reserved.

The Motown Machine, invented by the great Berry Gordy, The Temptations has been harmonizing since the early 60's, beginning their musical careers in Detroit. Performing in area jazz clubs, the original Temptations realized mild success with their smooth singing style and choreographed stage numbers. But it wasn't until 1964 when the Smokey Robinson written-and-produced song "The Way You Do The Things You Do," turned The Temps into stars.

That song rose to the top of the charts and remained entrenched in the Top Ten for months as The Temptations began to roll out many other would-be gold and platinum vinyls, including "I Wish It Would Rain," the ever-popular "My Girl," the upbeat "Get Ready ... ‘Cause Here I Come," and "Since I Lost My Baby."

The original classic Temptations lineup, in addition to Williams, included Eddie Kendricks, Paul Williams, Melvin Franklin, and David Ruffin. Known for their smooth steppin' and synchronized moves, their "on and off-stage style" soon became a staple of American style in fashion, design, and character, as the populations, regardless of race, mimicked the "class" of the Motown ... The Temptations.

When the 60's and 70's turned political, The Temptations got serious, changing their tone, dress, and music. Then-producer Norman Whitfield led the way and the group then featured singer Dennis Edwards, who had replaced David Ruffin. His numbers, burned with intensity, almost as an editorial comment to social concerns during that era.

It was through this pop era that The Temptations recorded songs like "Papa Was A Rolling Stone," "Runaway Child," "Psychedelic Shack," and "Cloud Nine." These songs remain rated as some of the best in their years of recording success.

Over the four decades, with the exception of Williams, the faces may have changed, but their music remains popular. Appearing in December will be Williams, Ron Tyson, Terry Weeks, Joe Herndon, and Bruce Williamson.

Tyson, with his ranging tenor voice, is considered one of the best high tenor vocalists in the entertainment industry. Weeks, who is a native of Alabama, spent eight years in the USAF before getting a chance to join The Temptations, meeting and auditioning for Williams on a Hollywood street corner.

The group's newest member, Williamson, began singing in a church choir at five-years-of-age. His melodious voice has been heard on national commercials and in many of the top shows in Las Vegas.

"Our challenge," Williams said, "is to live in the present while respecting the past. Our past is filled with riches only a fool would discard. At the same time, we thrive on competition.

"As a Motowner, I grew up in the most competitive musical atmosphere imaginable," he added. "But we also understand that for a group with history, no matter how glorious that history might be, reinvention is the name of the game."

For more information or to purchase tickets, go to www.hobartarena.com or call 937-339-2911. Visa and MasterCard accepted.

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