SCERA Presents TRIBUTE TO MOTOWN Concert Tonight

Renata Braham, the director of Motown Sounds, loved to sing but never saw herself with a microphone in her hand in front of an audience. Her husband Darryl, who played in a band, thought otherwise, and "pushed" her onstage. She was surprised that she loved it. Fifteen years later, she is still singing, but now she has a passion to help others who love the idea of performing -- but who may lack the confidence -- get up on stage.

Audiences will see some of her talented vocal discoveries tonight, Nov. 8 when "A Tribute to Motown" plays at the SCERA Center for the Arts in Orem. The 7pm show is sold out, but a 9pm show has been added to meet demand for tickets.

Reserved-seat tickets are $12 for adults and $10 for children (age 3-11) and seniors (age 65 and older). They are available at www.scera.org, by calling 801-225-ARTS, at the main office at SCERA, 745 South State, Orem, or at the box office 30 minutes prior to performance.

"The artists of the Motown era were young and energetic," Braham says. "Through auditions we found some incredible talent and molded it into a full Motown concert that will be interactive with the audience. We know our audience will be immersed in the Motown experience from the glittery, long gowns on the ladies to the flashy matching suits on the men."

Artists wildly famous during the 1960s will be honored, including The Supremes, The Temptations, Aretha Franklin, Stevie Wonder, Marvin Gaye, Smokey Robinson & The Miracles, and forerunners to the era, such as James Brown and Etta James. The signature synchronized choreography that usually accompanies Motown music is also sure to be showcased.

"It has been fun and gratifying to see this fast-paced show come to life," Braham says. "Our Diana Ross is a young girl who said, 'Oh, I just want to be a background singer.' Well, she is a whole lot more than that. When she is onstage, she becomes Diana Ross. Salt Lake is discovering us. I look forward to having Utah Valley do the same."

SCERA President & CEO Adam J. Robertson says tickets are moving fast. "This group will take us on a journey honoring the Top 10 hits and huge hitmakers of Motown. It's going to be an incredible, high-energy show."

For more information, visit www.motownsoundsandmore.com.

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