COURTLAND
Do you remember what you were doing and where when you first heard “My Girl” by the Temptations? What about “Baby, I Need Your Loving” from The Four Tops? Or “I Heard it Through the Grapevine” by Marvin Gaye?

If not, Masters of Soul are coming to town to revive those memories.

That era is recreated this Saturday, Jan. 9, when Masters of Soul bring those sweet, sweet sounds to Western Tidewater. This band is next in the series of events presented by the Franklin-Southampton Concert Association.

Speaking from Virginia Beach where the Masters of Soul are based, spokesman John Hodges said the actual group originated in the 1970s, but this particular act has been around for six years.

“We came up in the era of the ‘70s and Motown and all the hit-makers of the ‘70s, and we realized that music of today is not fulfilling the mature audience,” he said.

He thinks of that period as a time when “bands actually worked for their money,” adding that it involved uniforms and choreography. “You really came out to see a show. That’s what we pretty much do.”

The three women are Kenya Small, Joyce Bowers and Lady D. The men are Ron Smith, lead vocalist; Dario Outlaw, another vocalist and the choregrapher; and Hodges, the baritone/bass. They’re backed by the four-piece band, Oscar Waters on bass; Al Huntley on drums; Vince Ford on guitar; and Theo Jones on keyboards.

The band plays most weekends, and isn’t limited just to Virginia. Alabama, Mississippi and North Carolina have been graced with the members’ presence.

“Last year we went all the way to California, Sarasota (Florida), Mexico and Washington state,” Hodges said about their cross-country tour.

But the members don’t just tour. They also give educational seminars at schools.

“The music still resonates through the younger generations,” he said. “It’s still as exciting as it was then. I think kids are looking for something different.”

For this weekend, though, the audience can expect many oldies but goodies.

“’My Girl’ is always a favorite,” he said. “Lady D does a great version of ‘Neither of One Us,’ — a showstopper by Gladys Knight and The Pips. Outlaw does a tribute to James Brown that really takes people back. Joyce covers Tina’s ‘Proud Mary.’ Barry White, I do him, and Ron sings Marvin Gaye.

“We’re taking you back to the days when the world wasn’t as confused or crazy as it is today.”

The show might conclude with audience favorites such as “Shout” or “Love Train.”

The music begins to play at 7:30 p.m. and will be in the auditorium of Southampton High School, 23350 Southampton Parkway, Courtland. Tickets at the door cost $30 per adult and $10 for students.

Call Nancy Rowe at 653-2498 or Bill Vick at 653-2892 for more information.

To learn more about the group, visit www.mastersofsoulshow.com or www.eastcoastentertainment.com.