Motown Goes Down Town at NST!
BY JILL DAVIS
TPhotos by Dawn Steinberg he VIP Room was groovin’
on Wednesday, December 4,
when the Down Town Glee
Club returned to North Shore Towers
for its 2019 winter concert. For
those who may not be familiar with
the group, the all-male Down Town
Glee Club was formed back in 1927.
It has evolved significantly since
then, now featuring a wonderfully
diverse membership and equally
eclectic songbook.
Dubbed “Back to Motown for
the Holidays,” this evening’s program
featured an array of songs to
commemorate Motown’s 60th anniversary.
Bass singer (and, as readers
know, former editor of the NST
Courier) Stephen Vrattos introduced
the evening. Steve, who’s
been a member of the glee club for
more than 20 years, welcomed the
audience and expressed the club’s
pleasure at returning to the Towers.
Then it was time to hear some
singing, and what Motown concert
would be complete without “My
Girl” by the Temptations, which
kicked off the night. Hits by Stevie
Wonder, Marvin Gaye and Lionel
Richie followed. Oscar Maxwell
(bass and 15 year veteran of the
group) led the group for a terrific
rendition of “Just My Imagination,”
as did Cameron Draper (tenor)
on “In the Still of the Night.”
Cameron’s only been with the glee
club since 2018, but you’d never
know it.
A good part of the reason for
the group’s cohesive sound comes
from its conductor, Andrea Lodge.
Although Andrea has only been
leading the club for a year, it’s clear
that there is definite synchronicity.
Accompanying on piano was the
accomplished jazz pianist Deanna
Witkowski in her second appearance
with the club, and she was terrific.
Back to the music: If you want
to get an audience going, just ask
“Do You Love Me?” The audience,
which filled the room, decided
“Yes!” with hands clapping to the
beat, and everyone looked like they
were having an especially good
time. All in all, it was a warm, funfilled
evening, and it was great to
have the club back at the Towers.
But if you missed the concert,
don’t despair: The Down Town
Steve Vrattos introduces the group Conductor Andrea Lodge leads the group
Glee Club plans to return to NST
in 2020. In the meantime, if you
want to know more about the club,
its history and upcoming concerts,
Pianist Deanna Witkowski
visit downtowngleeclub.org for
more info.
The club wishes everyone Happy Holidays!
Tenor Cameron Draper’s touching
Bass Oscar Maxwell’s soulful “Just My Imagination”
“In the Still of the Night” The audience was into it!
January 2020 ¢ NORTH SHORE TOWERS COURIER 17
/downtowngleeclub.org
