Published: 07:00 AM, Fri Jul 24, 2009
The sweet sounds of soul sweep into the Crown Arena
By Brian Dukes
Staff writer
The air will be filled with the sounds of soul Saturday night at the Crown Arena with performances by The Whispers, The Stylistics and Anthony Watson.
"It's going to be an incredible show; we've got some legends of soul music performing," said Delroy Carroll, organizer and promoter for the concert, which is being billed as "A Soulful Evening."
Carroll, president and CEO of Solar Entertainment, said the concert will be his first event in North Carolina, but added that local fans of soul and "old school" music will be more than familiar with the trio of performers.
"They've got some great hits," said Carroll. "People are going to know who they are - and the songs - and sing along."
The Whispers have certainly had their share of hits. The L.A.-formed quintet has cranked out several R&B hits, including "I Was Born When You Kissed Me," "The Time Has Come," "Seems Like I Gotta Do Wrong," "And the Beat Goes On" and "Rock Steady."
"These songs are going to take people back," said Carroll.
The Stylistics, a Philly soul group, can prove Carroll's point by themselves. The group had 12 consecutive Top 10 hits in the early '70s, including "You Are Everything," "Betcha by Golly, Wow," "I'm Stone in Love With You," "Break Up to Make Up," and "You Make Me Feel Brand New."
Rounding out the lineup is former Chi-lites singer Anthony Watson, who performed and recorded with the Chicago-based soul group in the '80s and '90s.
"Anthony will bring all those great Chi-lites hits," said Carroll.
Among the Chi-lites' body of work are such songs as "Have You Seen Her," "Oh Girl," "Give It Away," "Are You My Woman? (Tell Me So)," and "Stoned Out of My Mind."
"I know this is going to be a great show, because it's one that I'd pay to see," Carroll. "These guys know how to perform; they know how to work the crowd. They're showmen."
A Soulful Evening
Who: The Whispers, The Stylistics, Anthony Watson
Where: Crown Arena
When: Saturday, 7 p.m.
Tickets: $33, $38 and $48; group and military (with ID) discount of $2 through Ticketmaster.
Staff writer Brian Dukes can be reached at dukesb@fayobserver.com or 486-3523.