Two legendary groups, one magical night at ASF
By Shannon Heupel/Advertiser
Benefit the Bard is Saturday at Alabama Shakespeare Festival, with The 5th Dimension and The Spinners Get set for a huge dose of '70s soul and R&B at the Alabama Shakespeare Festival this Saturday, when Benefit the Bard brings in two classic acts - The 5th Dimension and The Spinners.
"This is the first year that we've had a double act," said Eve Loeb, director of development at ASF.
The 5th Dimension is a Grammy-winning group led by original member Florence LaRue. They’re responsible for classic hits like "Up, Up and Away," "Aquarius," “Wedding Bell Blues,” and “Stoned Soul Picnic.” Along with LaRue, they have Willie Williams, Leondard Tucker, Patrice Morris and Floyd Smith.
The Spinners have made it to the top of pop and R&B charts with songs like “I’ll Be Around,” “Rubber Band Man” and “Then Came You.” They have original member Henry Fambrough joined by lead singer Charlton Washington, high tenor Marvin Taylor, tenor Ronnie Moss, bass Jessie Peck, and a five-piece band.
On Saturday at 7:30 p.m., The 5th Dimension will open the show. After brief intermission, The Spinners take the stage.
"The experience of these groups, like Smokey Robinson, like Gladys Knight in the past, these talents in the intimate space of the Festival Stage is marvelous," Loeb said. "You feel like you're in a living room with this world class talent regaling you. The audience goes wild because you can see so well and hear so well. And the entertainers have such a good time because they can see the audiences. It's like they can reach out and touch them. It's a very electric evening."
Previous Benefit the Bard concerts have also brought in Michael McDonald and Michael Bolton.
Sales are going well for this limited seating event, but tickets are still available, Loeb said. Single tickets range from $75 to $99. They can be purchased online at ASF.net, by calling 800-841-4273, or at the ASF box office at One Festival Drive in Montgomery’s Blount Cultural Park.
"This benefits ASF's artistic and educational programs," Loeb said. "Almost half of ASF's $8.5 million budget has to come from contributions to keep student and adult ticket prices affordable for people in the state and the region to be able to enjoy stories brought to life in a world class theater."
Saturday also marks the fifth year for Wind Creek Hospitality to partner with ASF in presenting this fundraising event. Loeb said ASF is very proud of its relationship with presenting sponsor Wind Creek, and their other sponsors, "Without which we really would not have been able to have these five years of special events that have grossed about $1.5 million over the five years," Loeb said.
About Wind Creek Hospitality
Wind Creek Hospitality is an authority of the Poarch Band of Creek Indians. Wind Creek Hospitality manages the Tribe’s gaming facilities including: Wind Creek Atmore, Wind Creek Wetumpka, Wind Creek Montgomery, Wa She Shu Casino in Nevada, Renaissance Aruba Resort & Casino, Renaissance Curacao Resort & Casino as well as racetracks in Alabama and Florida.
The Poarch Band of Creek Indians is the only federally recognized Indian Tribe in the state of Alabama, operating as a sovereign nation with its own system of government and bylaws. The Tribe operates a variety of economic enterprises, which employ hundreds of area residents.
For more information, visit: WindCreekHospitality.comFOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT:
WCH Public Relations
(251) 446-4293
PRteam@windcreekhospitality.com
Shannon Huepel