It was a night that took you back to the Motown sounds of the early 1960’s and into the 1970s as Artpark brought The Spinners in for the 2nd last Tuesday show of the season. The show was originally planned for the outdoor stage but was moved into the smaller and more intimate confines of the indoor mainstage due to inclement weather. The move seemed to suit not only the band but the concert attendees as well. The performance went on without a hitch.
The Spinners ensemble took the stage at 8pm sharp and played a medley of The Spinners classic hits before the singers took the stage wearing matching silver suits. Vocalist Henry Fambrough who celebrated his 80th birthday earlier this year is the only surviving original member. He has been performing for over 65 years so it was real treat to see him live. It was also nice to see the other vocalists pay homage a few times to him throughout the hour plus set. The group captured the essence of the songs by performing such classics as “I’ll Be Around” and “The Rubberband Man” to name a few.
The band danced and moved its way through their set. They each came to the front of the stage at times, shook people’s hands and interacted them. Each vocalist shared the spotlight and took leads at times. One of the vocalists Charlton Washington was celebrating his birthday and the band had the fans acknowledge it. At the end of the set, The Spinners announced each one of the ensemble members and they also took a moment in the spotlight.
With the combination of the wonderful staff at Artpark and the performance by The Spinners, they both turned what could have been a throwaway show into one of the most memorable shows of the 2018 season at Artpark.
Setlist:
Instrumental Overture (band only): Could It be I’m Falling in Love/Mighty Love/One of a Kind/ (Love Affair)/Sadie/I’ll Be Around
Could it be I’m Falling in Love
It’s a Shame
Funny How Time Slips Away (Willie Nelson cover)
I’ll Be Around
Working my Way Back to You/Forgive me Girl
Sadie
Mighty Love
Living for the City (Stevie Wonder cover)/Ooh Baby Baby (The Miracles cover) /Let’s Get it On (Marvin Gaye cover)/Get Up Offa That Thing (James Brown cover)
Cupid (Sam Cooke cover)/I’ve Loved You for a Long Time/Having a Party (Sam Cooke cover)
Then Came You
Medley: One of a Kind (Love Affair)/(They Just can’t Stop) the Games People Play/The Rubberband man
I’m Coming Home
We would like to thank Dave Wedekindt for the credentials to review the show.
