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NBPAC presents Soultown to Motown: Holiday Show!

originally published: 11/15/2023


(NEW BRUNSWICK, NJ) -- The New Brunswick Performing Arts Center (NBPAC) presents Soultown to Motown: Holiday Show! on December 8, 2023 at 8:00pm. Under the tutelage of legendary Jersey Shore saxophonist Screamin' Steve Barlotta, The Sensational Soul Cruisers bring to you their Soultown to Motown Holiday Show. This concert highlights iconic Classic Soul & Motown music from the birth of Motown in 1960 to the release of Michael Jackson’s all-time-selling Thriller Album in 1983. Sprinkled in for the Holiday Season you will hear some of your favorite Christmas Holiday renditions by the Temptations, Jackson 5, The Drifters, Donny Hathaway & Stevie Wonder - with many more magical soulful gems and surprises!

The Sensational Soul Cruisers are not just another 11-man vocal harmony group with horns. While it is still sometimes possible to find a band featuring a similar line up of instruments, it is unlikely that you will ever find another that performs with as much energy, passion, and talent as these guys. From their humble beginnings rehearsing in Freehold Borough at the chicken coops on Route 33 to the basement of the Cycle Shop on Throckmorton Street, this band has come a long way from its “Eddie and the Cruisers” days to become one of New Jersey’s best kept secrets.

Led by legendary Jersey Shore sax player Screamin’ Steve Barlotta, who has been the captain of this fantastic soul cruise for over 30 years, who has catapulted this band from the recesses of a dingy basement to over 200 performances a year while capturing the true essence of the Jersey Shore sound and its true R&B roots. Fortunately for those of us that feel that the sound of classic Philly Soul, Motown, Disco, Stax, and the music of The Temptations, Four Tops, Earth Wind & Fire, Chicago, The Trammps and other such groups was and still is some of the best music ever recorded or played live, there will be plenty of chances to see the Sensational Soul Cruisers perform this year and for many years to come. While the band travels to and plays concerts in theaters, clubs, public festivals, and private events throughout the country, they will be spending quite a bit of time up & down the east coast this year.

Over the past 3 decades the Soul Cruisers have been fortunate enough to grace the stage with many great artist from Bruce Springsteen, Little Anthony and The Imperials, Gloria Gaynor, Gary US Bonds, John Cafferty, Southside Johnny, The Emotions, Bon Jovi, Smokey Robinson, Stevie Wonder. As well as being the long time favorite house band at New York City’s famed Copacabana.

Tickets range from $35-$45 and are available for purchase online.  The New Brunswick Performing Arts Center is located at 11 Livingston Avenue in New Brunswick, New Jersey.




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