Yoshi's to Welcome the Cast of MOTOWN THE MUSICAL, 8/25

San Francisco welcomes Berry Gordy's "Motown: The Musical," which has been sweeping the nation. Monday, Aug 25 from 5:00pm - 8:30pm. Planned as San Francisco's official welcome, Supervisor London Breed will represent the city with opening remarks. Praised for its invigorating musical numbers, the popular musical plays at the Orpheum Theater from August 15 - September 28.

Yoshi's San Francisco, which has recently changed ownership, is the perfect location for the event with its legacy as the epicenter of urban music on the West Coast. The event will feature a meet and greet with the cast, a special performance by cast members of the musical, and a Classic Soul Revue by Bay Area cover band, Top Shelf. There will also be a cocktail reception.

"Motown: The Musical" is based on Gordy's memoir, "To Be Loved" and chronicles the rise of the R&B empire that Gordy built in Detroit during the 1950's. The musical follows the life of Gordy as he discovers and develops such acts as: The Jackson 5, Marvin Gaye, Smokey Robinson and Diana Ross.

The event at Yoshi's will also benefit local organizations, Project LEVEL at the African American Art & Culture Complex, and The San Francisco Arts Education Project, two groups that provide services for the city's youth.

Peter Williams, artistic director of Yoshi's explains why the company is excited to be involved in this event. "It's important that the community see that the new management is committed to the community." The inclusion of community-enrichment events, such as the Motown welcome event are among the many changes that Yoshi's intends to implement under its new management.

There will certainly be something to sing about when the cast of Motown touches down in San Francisco.

Event Information:

August 25, 5:00-7:00; Performance 7:30-8:30

General, $25; VIP, $40

Yoshi's: (415) 655-5600

http://www.yoshis.com/sanfrancisco/livemusic/artist/show/4511