Town Hall Theater Presents MIDDLEBURY DOES SOUL

Town Hall Theater began a tradition a few years back with Middlebury Does Motown, in which the best local singers and musicians got together to play through the Motown songbook.

"It was a huge hit,' says THT executive director Douglas Anderson. "There are so many singers in the area who have amazing voices, and when you get them up on our stage they sound just like the original stars."

The Motown show was followed by Middlebury Does the History of Rock & Roll, and just last year, Middlebury Does Woodstock - a faithful recreation of those three days of peace, love, and rock & roll. All of these shows were sold-out hits.

This year the group turns to soul music, that great period that gave us Aretha Franklin, Stevie Wonder, Martha Reeves and the Vandellas, the Temptations, Al Green, and so many more. "So many of us grew up with this music, and it's still popular with younger generations. Shout out R-E-S-P-E-C-T and a teenager will know exactly what you're talking about."

Performing in this year's show are several local singers who've become the core of the MIDDLEBURY DOES series, Leigh Guptill, Deb Tier, and Sam Trudel, with newcomers Sarah Stone, Justin Bouvier, Muchadei Zmova - and a surprise guest or two.

The smokin' band is under the direction of Chuck Miller and Will Nash. It includes a brass section, which is a must-have for this kind of music, and back-up singers led by Kendra Gratton. Doug Anderson hosts.

Middlebury Does Soul will play two nights at Town Hall Theater, Friday and Saturday, June 17-18. Tickets for the 8 pm performances are $17, and may be purchased at www.townhalltheater.org, by calling 802 382-9222, at the THT Box Office (Mon-Sat, Noon - 5 pm) or at the door.

Photo caption: The music of Aretha Franklin and other artists will be featured in MIDDLEBURY DOES SOUL at Town Hall Theater, June 17-18.