Get ready to groove with vocalist Clark Stirgus and the Rocky Mountain Jazz Collective as they take us on a wild ride through the Detroit music scene in the ‘60s. They’ll be laying down Motown hits and vibrant jazz renditions, celebrating the rhythm and soul of this legendary genre.
So, what is Motown? Motown is a record label and a genre that blends R&B, soul, and pop. It’s known for its distinctive sound and strong influence on American music. The Motown label produced a record number of chart-topping artists, including Martha and the Vandellas, Smokey Robinson and the Miracles, The Temptations, Diana Ross and the Supremes, The Jackson 5, Stevie Wonder, Marvin Gaye, and countless others. The headquarters was famously titled “Hitsville U.S.A.” as a signal that anyone who stepped through its doors was expected to contribute to the music in some way.
At this concert, the Rocky Mountain Jazz Collective will play a wide variety of Motown songs expertly arranged by Music Director Scott Jeppesen. With the mission to create greater awareness and appreciation for jazz music and history in the Rocky Mountain region, they perform themed programs consisting of material with cultural and historical significance to the history and development of Jazz. This evening, they will also feature guest vocalist Clark Stirgus.
Himself hailing from Detroit, Michigan, Clark absorbed the enduring legacy of the Motown sound. His vocal foundation was humbly laid within the tradition of the church and Gospel music, providing him with robust technical skills and a sincere appreciation of music’s power of expression. Ever grateful to be a vocalist, Clark views music not as a solo showcase, but as the most effective medium for community and shared expression. He strives to serve the material, delivering a dynamic and honest interpretation. The focus is always on fostering a genuine, shared emotional connection with the crowd. Clark’s sincere dedication to his craft grounds him in humility and faith, shared with each note, steeped in soulful cultured roots.
Rocky Mountain Jazz Collective Plays Motown is scheduled for Saturday, June 13 at Q Staton Performing Arts Center, previously known as Lockwood Performing Arts Center. The concert begins at 7:00PM and doors open at 6:00PM. To purchase tickets, call 406-252-3610 or visit www.billingssymphony.org.
