An opportunity came for me to go to Las Vegas and see the group, “Tribute To The Temptations” and I was determined to make it happen. Arriving on Thursday, June 5th from Seattle to a heat that I was not used to, took this Pacific Northwest girl out of commission for the first night but to recover fine the following day. Meeting up with my business partner of 2.5 years, Marc VanClaggett who is a member of this amazing “Tribute To The Temptations” group was a great experience since most of our business is done by phone and internet. He is on tour year around traveling with this musical brothers to places, I can only dream of.
While in Vegas we attend the show for Smokey Robinson’s group, “Human Nature” at The Venetian where my cousin, known as “Funky Z” plays the Bass for this amazing group. We were definitely treated to a great show of musical memories from Motown. Of course I enjoyed this evening but my purpose was to come to Vegas for the “Tribute To The Temptations.” I had only seen the online videos and had told Marc that on my “bucket list” was to one day see the group perform LIVE. Well, that day came sooner than I had anticipated and trust and believe I was not disappointed at all.
Saturday, June 7th we arrived at the event location, “Viva Las Vegas Event Center” for rehearsal and sound check. I wanted the full experience from start to finish. Stepping through the doors of this venue I felt the magic just by seeing the decor and set up. It was so beautiful and classy.
Meeting all the members, Chester, Sonny, Shevel and Don was a pleasure along with Doug who set up the gig for them to perform in Vegas. At first the Members were the only ones that had arrived, so they proceeded to do their sound check and warm up before the musicians showed up. Shortly after the musicians started arriving and it was on.
This is when I had a first hand experience in the professionalism of this group. They trained the musicians in just a matter of a few hours how they wanted their music to be played.
7pm the doors opened for business at “Viva Las Vegas Event Center” and the venue and staff was ready to receive what turned out to be a packed house. They even had to turn people away at the door because they were at capacity. This was a first for me to be a witness to. It was a mature crowd. Many appeared to know each other and greet one another with smiles, hand shakes and hugs. Strangers sat together sharing a table, but join in as one as they all enjoyed being in this space for the experience of, “Tribute To The Temptations.” We were taken down memory lane with music from one of Motown’s greatest groups!
9pm Ron Decar took the stage in his tuxedo as the Owner of “Viva Las Vegas Event Center” and Host for the evening. The house was packed, the staff attentive to the guests needs and the show was on as he introduces, “Tribute To The Temptations”
Opening up with “Superstar” brought a high energy to the atmosphere that never came down until way after the show ended. Taking us on a musical journey of the greatest hits by “The Temptations,” such as:
“Papa Was A Rollin’ Stone”
“Don’t Let The Jones Get You Down”
“My Baby”
“Ball Of Confusion”
As the evening came to an end, I had the opportunity to sit back and witness the crowd wanting to hang out longer to meet and greet the gentlemen and take pictures. Several said that they needed to come back to Vegas to do a regular gig, that that was what Vegas was missing, good black entertainment. From being entertained by the”Tribute To The Temptations” to the crowd, the venues staff, the owner, Ron and promoter, Doug…this night was a great success.
It had been 13 years since “Tribute To The Temptations” has performed in Vegas, a place they got their start and call home. Let me tell you, they were well received.
This was why I came to Vegas, to fulfill my one of the things on my “bucket list,” seeing “Tribute To The Temptations” perform LIVE. It was a night to remember for me, but I sense that I am not the only one.
If you ever have the opportunity to see them perform, take advantage of it…you will not be disappointed. I am crossing my fingers that they land a gig in Vegas and can wow the crowds from near and far with their musical magic.
I first want to thank my business partner, Marc VanClaggett for inviting me to Vegas for this amazing experience and to the “Tribute To The Temptations” for not disappointing. Thank you for your hospitality Las Vegas, I will be back and better prepared for the heat…LOL
To find out more about, “Tribute To The Temptations” go to: http://www.tributetothetemptations.net/
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