Independent Arts News Reporting Let's Groove Tonight: Motown and Philly Sound
Pictured Above: Chester Gregory joins “Let’s Groove Tonight: Motown and The Philly Sound!” with The No Name Pops!. Photo Credit: Contributed.
NEWSROOM POST: PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA
Philadelphia, PA – Let’s Groove Tonight: Motown and The Philly Sound! is the first Kimmel Center concert performed by the No Name Pops, composed of the former musicians of the Philly POPS. It will take place on October 28 at 3 and 8 p.m. in Verizon Hall. Ticket prices begin at $41 and are available kimmelculturalcampus.org.
Conductor Herb Smith leads the full No Name Pops orchestra featuring special guests Chester Gregory, who played the role of Berry Gordon in Broadway’s “Motown the Musical”, Brik.Liam, and Ashley Jayy. Titled Let’s Groove Tonight: Motown and The Philly Sound, this symphonic experience presents Motown, Soul, R&B, as well as the famous hits of the Philly Sound with classic songs by artists like The Spinners, The Temptations, Marvin Gaye, Diana Ross, Gamble & Huff, and The O’Jays. Some of the songs included will be “Me and Mrs. Jones” sung by Billy Paul, Gamble & Huff’s “Ain’t No Stoppin’ Us Now”, “Hurt so Bad” recorded by Little Anthony and Diana Ross’ “I’m Coming Out.”
Matthew Koveal, Executive Director of No Name Pops, is thrilled to present this concert in Verizon Hall at the Kimmel Center and is appreciative of the tremendous support they have received since the orchestra launched in May 2023. He said, “Philadelphia deserves pops orchestral music in a straightforward, enjoyable experience. The name “No Name Pops” signifies the absence of musical limitations and obstacles in our pursuit of collaborating with all artists. This approach ensures that our exceptional art form remains accessible to everyone. Our commitment is underlined by the series of free concerts we’ve organized in various neighborhoods.
Pictured Above: Herb Smith, The Conductor of Let’s Groove Tonight: Motown. Photo Credit: Contributed.
The musicians, represented by Jon Fink, cellist and founding board member of No Name Pops, have a mutual dedication to the music. Fink said, “We believe that our great city should have Pops music, so we came together to form the No Name Pops and provide this style of music to Philadelphia.” Councilmember Mark Squilla shared his appreciation of this new orchestra saying, “I am excited to have No Name Pops bring pops orchestral music to Philadelphia. I look forward to seeing them at their free performances on South Street, and then again at their first performance at the Kimmel Center. Let the music continue.”
