Clazzical Notes, a Pasadena-based music organization known for its engaging performances, will host “Urban Grooves: Celebrating the Best of Motown and R&B” on Saturday, Sept. 14, at the Alkebulan Cultural Center, 1435 N Raymond Ave. in Pasadena.
Jerri Price-Gaines, Founder and Executive-Artistic Director of Clazzical Notes, is spearheading the program. The organization stages musical performances designed to engage, educate, and inspire audiences through high-quality productions and information about ethnic history and musical genres.
The Era Queens, an all-female tribute band featuring Jasmin Khadia Handon, Dominique Toney, and Princess Fortier, will headline the event. Known for their polished harmonies and synchronized choreography, the group performs hits from girl groups spanning from the Motown era to present day.
“They eloquently showcase polished harmonies, synchronized choreography, and dynamite costumes while performing hits by The Supremes, The Shirelles, Martha and the Vandellas, The Marvelettes, The Emotions, Sister Sledge, LaBelle, En Vogue, TLC, Salt-N-Pepa, & Destiny’s Child,” said an event announcement from Clazzical Notes.
The Era Queens have performed for major corporate and private events throughout the United States, including appearances with The Pacific Symphony and The American Heart Association. They were also featured on the CBS All Access TV show “Why Women Kill.”
Accompanying The Era Queens will be Kevin O’Neal, a Grammy-winning bassist, composer, producer, and educator. O’Neal’s credits include work on films such as “Ghostbusters” and “48 Hrs.,” as well as performances with artists like Outkast, Tracy Chapman, Barry Harris, LaVern Baker, Nnenna Freelon, Solomon Burke, and Marilyn McCoo & Billy Davis Jr. (5th Dimension). O’Neal is also a solo artist.
Vocalist Lawrence Dopson, who has been singing professionally since 1968, will also perform. Dopson was previously the lead singer of The 5 Wagers from Chicago and has worked with EWF and The Emotions. He was also managed by The Dells.
The event begins at 4 p.m. Tickets are $20 per person. Students with ID can attend for $5, while children 12 and under are free of charge.
For more information and to purchase tickets, visit www.clazzicalnotes.org.
