On Jan. 18, the Stockton Symphony performed Motown Magic at Delta College Atherton Auditorium.
Featuring The Rewinders, Billy Duvall Jr., Tyrone Dunn, Sandra Dye, Darla Day, John McCracken, Dave Allen, Adrian Heil, Kimmy Stofer, Webb Hendrix, and Jonathan & Hannah Vanderpool, who bring the golden age of soul music to colorful, symphonic life with classics that defined a generation.
With a total of 21 songs, an a 20-minute intermission, the program consisted of Marvin Gaye, “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough”, Stevie Wonder, “My Cherie Amour”, The Supremes, “Stop! In the Name of Love”, and the Temptations, “Just My Imagination”, “My Girl”, the list goes on and on. With a surprise song at the end, which was not on the program.
“The mission of the Stockton Symphony is to inspire joy and build community through the magic of music,” states the San Joaquin Delta College website.
One audience member appreciated the variety in the symphony’s shows.
“Well, normally it would be, like, a lot of classical music. Lately, in the last year, they’ve been doing themes. So, like, we had a Star Wars theme, there was a light show, and they have the Motown one,” said Pamela Carey. “I like to see families bring their young kids, so that they can kind of grow up in it. It’s really, really important. And it helps a lot of the kids, like, learn.”
Pat Carey, Pamela’s mother, agreed.
“You know what, I didn’t know what to expect because she comes all the time. I know, it’s just beautiful,” said Pat. “I’m coming back, I really am coming back, and I’m bringing somebody. I mean, we can come here and listen to music, and then go out to lunch or dinner and talk about it… this is beautiful.”
The Stockton Symphony Association is an American orchestra located in Stockton. Manlio Silva formed the orchestra in 1926, making it California’s third-oldest. Since 1995, Peter Jaffe has served as music director and conductor.
Jeff Reed was the guest conductor for Motown Magic. The event was co-sponsored by Jim Morris & Robin Appel, Downey Brand LLP, and featured guest artists Joe & Rita Sublett, Jan & Mike Quartaroli, andAll arrangements in the show were done by Patrick Sheehan.
“ And realize, even though we appreciate your ticket sales, that only covers part of what it takes to have an orchestra. So those of you who are donors, those of you who are sponsors, those of you who made provisions in your estate, you’re the reason that this is about to be a 100-year-old orchestra, so don’t take it for granted,” Jeff Reed says at the end of the show.
