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  <event>
    <body>Come aboard the The Spirit of New York and celebrate your Valentine&#8217;s day with breathtaking, ever-changing views of the world&#8217;s premier skyline. Enjoy the panoramic views of Manahattan and New Jersey as they glisten under the moonlit sky.  Delicious food and fine beverages coupled with the smooth sounds of Phil Perry are sure to make this year&#8217;s celebration a night to remember.

_**Please Note: Food &amp; Beverages NOT INCLUDED in the ticket price.**_
   
*PHIL PERRY*
Born and raised in East St. Louis, Phil Perry has spent most of his career as one of the most sought-after backing vocalists in the music business.  His bright, multi-octave range has played a supporting role on dozens of albums by such acts as Anita Baker, Boz Scaggs, Rod Stewart, Peabo Bryson and George Duke.  But he has also distinguished himself through five strong solo albums that have highlighted both his ability to interpret classic soul songs as well as his own songwriting skills.   
    
Phil Perry first came to the attention of Soul Music fans as the lead singer of the Montclairs, whose "Begging's Hard to Do" was a moderate hit in 1972.  After a brief stint as part of the singing duo Perry and Sanlin, Perry went solo in 1991 with The Heart of a Man, an album most notable for Perry's remake of Aretha Franklin's "Call Me."  His follow-up album, 1994's Pure Pleasure, was perhaps his best, and included fantastic remakes of "After the Love is Gone" and "If Only You Knew" and a seven minute cover of the Spinners' "Love Don't Love Nobody" that was sheer magic.  During the 90s, Perry also received increased coverage on Smooth Jazz radio through his guest work on albums by Lee Ritenour, the Rippingtons and others, and inspired Windham Hill subsidiary Private Music to sign him.  His Private Music debut, One Heart One Love, hit the top five. On his follow-up album, My Book of Love, Perry began to take a more active role in songwriting and production, putting his personal imprint beyond the vocal performance.  This led to his lead songwriting role on 2001's Magic, an excellent album on Peak Records that showed Phil Perry in complete control over his music.   
   
Phil&#8217;s most recent album Ready For Love (released August 2008) entered the Billboard Contemporary Jazz Chart at #4.  Produced by the master of the Urban ballad, Chris 'Big Boy' Davis (Will Downing, Maysa, Najee) and joined by special guest, smooth jazz superstar Kim Waters, Ready For Love is drenched in sensuous grooves and passionate melodies.  Join us aboard The Spirit of New York on Friday, February 12th as we ready ourselves for love this Valentine&#8217;s Day!
</body>
    <created-at type="datetime">2009-10-19T14:39:43-04:00</created-at>
    <event-url></event-url>
    <featured type="boolean">false</featured>
    <id type="integer">58</id>
    <live type="boolean">true</live>
    <live-at type="datetime">2009-10-19T14:10:00-04:00</live-at>
    <name>A Valentine's Cruise with Phil Perry</name>
    <soldout type="boolean">false</soldout>
    <ticket-info>$55</ticket-info>
    <ticket-link-name>Purchase Tickets</ticket-link-name>
    <ticket-link-url>http://www.spiritofnewyork.com/ny/jazz_cruise.jsp</ticket-link-url>
    <ticket-phone-number>866-211-3812</ticket-phone-number>
    <updated-at type="datetime">2010-02-08T13:15:46-05:00</updated-at>
    <venue-name>The Spirit of New York</venue-name>
  </event>
  <event>
    <body>Soul music returns to the Symphony Hall for an amazing evening of music with The Valentine's Soul Jam, *featuring the Stylistics, Emotions, Blue Magic, Intruders &amp; New Birth!* For *ONE NIGHT ONLY*, this revival of R&amp;B, Disco, &amp; Soul will take Newark by storm!  Be sure to get your tickets early.

*The Stylistics*
During the early &#8216;70s, the Stylistics were the leading Philly soul group.  The band had 12 straight Top Ten hits, including ""You Are Everything":http://www.amazon.com/You-Are-Everything/dp/B000QMCWMG/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&amp;s=dmusic&amp;qid=1259082069&amp;sr=8-1" ""Betcha by Golly, Wow":http://www.amazon.com/Betcha-By-Golly-Wow/dp/B000QMFUCU/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&amp;qid=1259082128&amp;sr=1-1" ""I'm Stone in Love With You":http://www.amazon.com/Im-Stone-Love-You/dp/B000QWJX9G/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&amp;qid=1259082158&amp;sr=1-1" ""Break Up to Make Up":http://www.amazon.com/Break-Up-to-Make/dp/B000QMHRMG/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&amp;qid=1259082190&amp;sr=1-1" and ""You Make Me Feel Brand New":http://www.amazon.com/You-Make-Feel-Brand-New/dp/B000QMG34E/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&amp;qid=1259082218&amp;sr=1-1" Of all their peers, the Stylistics were one of the smoothest and sweetest soul groups of their era. All of their hits were ballads, graced by the soaring falsetto of Russell Thompkins, Jr. and the lush yet graceful productions of Thom Bell.

*The Emotions*
A Chicago-based trio of sisters with a strong gospel base, the Emotions were one of the leading female R&amp;B acts of the '70s. Lead singer Sheila Hutchinson and her sisters Wanda and Jeanette were only teenagers when they crashed the soul charts in 1969 with the engaging ""So I Can Love You":http://www.amazon.com/So-I-Can-Love-You/dp/B000U8KNM2/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&amp;qid=1259082345&amp;sr=1-1" but they sang gospel as children and enjoyed secular fame locally before signing with Memphis-based Volt and working with producers Isaac Hayes and David Porter.  In 1975, the group hooked up with Maurice White of Earth, Wind &amp; Fire, an association that led to the number one pop/R&amp;B hit ""Best of My Love":http://www.amazon.com/Best-Of-My-Love/dp/B00136LGBC/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&amp;qid=1259082404&amp;sr=1-1" in 1977.  Two years after Best of My Love, Maurice White and the Emotions collaborated on ""Boogie Wonderland":http://www.amazon.com/Boogie-Wonderland/dp/B00136JBWS/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&amp;qid=1259082431&amp;sr=1-2" which was both a number two R&amp;B and number six pop hit. 

*Blue Magic*
Blue Magic, an R&amp;B vocal quintet, was formed in Philadelphia and signed to Atlantic Records in 1973. They hit the Top 40 of the R&amp;B singles chart with their first three 45s before breaking through and crossing over with ""Sideshow":http://www.amazon.com/Sideshow-Single-LP-Version/dp/B00122KHEO/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&amp;qid=1259082467&amp;sr=1-1" released in April 1974, which went gold, topped the R&amp;B charts, and became a Top Ten pop hit. ""Three Ring Circus":http://www.amazon.com/Three-Ring-Circus-LP-Version/dp/B00124B71O/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&amp;qid=1259082511&amp;sr=1-1" their next single, made the R&amp;B Top Ten and the pop Top 40. Over the next three years Blue Magic became known mostly for their smooth ballads, and the group stayed high on the Soul charts with ""Stop to Start":http://www.amazon.com/Stop-Start-Single-LP-Version/dp/B00122B77U/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&amp;qid=1259082539&amp;sr=1-1" and ""Chasing Rainbows":http://www.amazon.com/Chasing-Rainbows-LP-Version/dp/B00122D7DW/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&amp;qid=1259082568&amp;sr=1-1-fkmr0" before landing a big hit with the dance tune "Magic of the Blue." They returned with R&amp;B chart singles in 1981 and 1983 and made their comeback album, _From Out of the Blue_, in 1989. 

*Intruders*
As the first group to score hits with the songwriting/production team of Kenny Gamble and Leon Huff, the Intruders played a major role in the rise of Philadelphia soul.  The Intruders were originally formed as a doo wop group in 1960, and sang around Philadelphia for several years. Lead singer Sam "Little Sonny" Brown, Eugene "Bird" Daughtry, Phil Terry, and Robert "Big Sonny" Edwards signed with Gamble and Huff's fledgling Gamble label in 1966. They scored a Top 20 R&amp;B hit that year with ""(We'll Be) United"":http://www.amazon.com/Well-Be-United/dp/B00137V95Y/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&amp;qid=1259082699&amp;sr=1-1 and followed it up a year later with ""Together."":http://www.amazon.com/Together/dp/B00137T7CG/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&amp;qid=1259082728&amp;sr=1-1  However, 1968 was the Intruders' breakthrough year: ""Cowboys to Girls,"":http://www.amazon.com/Cowboys-To-Girls/dp/B00137V9FY/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&amp;qid=1259082752&amp;sr=1-1 a template for what would become Philly soul's trademark sound, topped the R&amp;B charts and climbed to number six on the pop side, giving the group their biggest hit. The follow-up, ""(Love Is Like A) Baseball Game,"":http://www.amazon.com/Love-Like-Baseball-Game/dp/B00137R3KE/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&amp;qid=1259082785&amp;sr=1-1 scored the group yet another Top 40 pop hit.  Gamble and Huff's success with the Intruders helped convince Columbia to grant them the money to launch Philadelphia International, which became the most successful soul label of the early '70s. The Intruders resurfaced on the 1970 Gamble LP _When We Get Married_, with a new lead singer Bobby Starr. The title cut, a Dreamlovers cover, was a hit on the R&amp;B charts, as was the follow-up, "(Win, Place or Show) She's a Winner." Starr's tenure with the group was short-lived; Sam &#8220;Little Sonny&#8221; Brown returned for the 1973 LP _Save the Children_, which spawned the Intruders' last two big hits, ""I'll Always Love My Mama"":http://www.amazon.com/Ill-Always-Love-My-Mama/dp/B00137V56M/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&amp;qid=1259082850&amp;sr=1-1 and ""I Wanna Know Your Name."":http://www.amazon.com/I-Wanna-Know-Your-Name/dp/B00137QYZE/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&amp;qid=1259083225&amp;sr=1-1
  
*New Birth*
Formed by Tony Churchill and music-industry veteran Harvey Fuqua, New Birth was originally named the Nite-Liters.  The roots of the band lie with Leslie and Melvin Wilson, who were gospel singers living in Muskegon, MI.  After moving on to Detroit in the late '60s, Melvin Wilson eventually met the Nite-Liters, who at the time were backing Motown artists, and expressed the possibility that he and his brother Leslie could perform with them.  Fuqua had three groups under his tutelage: Love Peace &amp; Happiness (of which Leslie and Melvin became members), the Nite-Liters, and New Birth. All but two members of New Birth had left the group around this time, leaving just Londee Loren and Bobby Downs. The three groups toured, backed each other up, and ultimately merged into one, with New Birth the name of the new group.  Leslie, with his feisty vocals, and Melvin, with his more serene appeal, emerged as the primary lead singers. New Birth's first release was the R&amp;B Top Ten single ""I Can Understand It."":http://www.amazon.com/I-Can-Understand-It/dp/B0013APNZI/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&amp;qid=1259082920&amp;sr=1-1 Led by Leslie Wilson's intense vocals and reminiscent of Bobby Womack, the single zoomed up the charts, peaking at number four after only 12 weeks. In January of 1974 they released ""It's Been a Long Time,"":http://www.amazon.com/Its-Been-A-Long-Time/dp/B00137Z0UE/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&amp;qid=1259082952&amp;sr=1-1 one of their celebrated hits and another Top Ten entry. That single was followed by the classic, soulful ballad ""Wildflower."":http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00137VDBY/ref=dm_dp_trk15?ie=UTF8&amp;qid=1259083006&amp;sr=1-1  In mid-1975 the group signed with Buddah Records and immediately recorded number one R&amp;B hit, ""Dream Merchant."":http://www.amazon.com/Dream-Merchant/dp/B00137Z0RW/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&amp;qid=1259083006&amp;sr=1-1 They recorded just one album for Buddah, however, before signing with Warner Bros. and later Ariola, continuing to record throughout the remainder of the &#8216;70s. In 1994, Leslie and Melvin re-formed the group and began performing at venues around the nation. 
</body>
    <created-at type="datetime">2009-11-23T16:47:07-05:00</created-at>
    <event-url></event-url>
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    <id type="integer">64</id>
    <live type="boolean">true</live>
    <live-at type="datetime">2009-11-23T16:46:00-05:00</live-at>
    <name>The Valentine's Soul Jam</name>
    <soldout type="boolean">false</soldout>
    <ticket-info>$49.50/$59.50/$75.00</ticket-info>
    <ticket-link-name>PURCHASE TICKETS</ticket-link-name>
    <ticket-link-url>http://www.ticketmaster.com/event/0000437CE01A6AAB?artistid=847956&amp;majorcatid=10001&amp;minorcatid=202</ticket-link-url>
    <ticket-phone-number>1-800-745-3000</ticket-phone-number>
    <updated-at type="datetime">2010-01-04T15:10:49-05:00</updated-at>
    <venue-name>Newark Symphony Hall</venue-name>
  </event>
  <event>
    <body>*EVENT:*
Take a trip with us as we *taste our way through* the exotic vines of *Latin 
America*. &#160;Enjoy *wines from Argentina, Chile, and other locations* just south of the border. &#160;Dance from table to table as The West Village Jazz Trio plays a little live jazz with a slight Latin flair. &#160;Come learn about the growing sophistication of South America&#8217;s wine culture, providing the world with high-quality yet affordable wines. &#160;Shake things up and add a little spice to your wine rack with a wine from the regions of Latin America. &#160;*Get your tickets now! &#160;Only $39.*
    
*Learning about the wines and discovering new ones* is what this evening is about -- along with some *great live jazz*,  from the West Village Trio!
       
And remember...
    
_"Some of the best wines are not necessarily expensive;  you just have to spend the time exploring to find hidden gems."_
    
- Sean Mahoney, wine collector &amp; connoisseur
   
All attendees will receive a *15% Discount* on in-store purchases during the evening.  
   
*FOOD:*
Crudite
Dip
Cheese, Crackers and Bread
    
*MUSIC:*
The evening will be accompanied by the  sounds of *The West Village Jazz Trio*!

The West Village Jazz Trio has been a fixture in the New York jazz scene for over 20 years.  Made up of three of New York's top jazz session players this group surprises and delights,  playing a mixture of Brazilian, New York and Latin jazz. 
   
From standards to originals these guys really swing...Check out the bebop melodies, bass underpinnings and deft brushwork.  Close your eyes and experience a world of jazz, with global influences.
</body>
    <created-at type="datetime">2010-01-31T11:57:31-05:00</created-at>
    <event-url>http://www.nywinefestivals.com/Latin_Wines_2-10.html</event-url>
    <featured type="boolean">false</featured>
    <id type="integer">66</id>
    <live type="boolean">true</live>
    <live-at type="datetime">2010-01-31T11:54:00-05:00</live-at>
    <name>Latin American Wines with Live Jazz</name>
    <soldout type="boolean">false</soldout>
    <ticket-info>$39.50 in advance</ticket-info>
    <ticket-link-name>Purchase Tickets</ticket-link-name>
    <ticket-link-url>https://www.ovationtix.com/trs/pe/7583495</ticket-link-url>
    <ticket-phone-number>866-811-4111</ticket-phone-number>
    <updated-at type="datetime">2010-01-31T12:02:37-05:00</updated-at>
    <venue-name>Bacchus Wines</venue-name>
  </event>
  <event>
    <body>Travel back in time as Marquee Concerts presents *The Super 70s Soul Jam*!  Groove to the hits of The Stylistics, The Emotions, Heatwave, The Blue Notes, Main Ingredient, The Delfonics, and Carl Carlton.  For *ONE NIGHT ONLY*, this revival of R&amp;B, Disco, &amp; Soul will take Manhattan by storm!  Be sure to get your tickets early.

*The Stylistics*
During the early &#8216;70s, the Stylistics were the leading Philly soul group.  The band had 12 straight Top Ten hits, including ""You Are Everything":http://www.amazon.com/You-Are-Everything/dp/B000QMFUI4/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&amp;qid=1257358962&amp;sr=1-1"," ""Betcha by Golly, Wow":http://www.amazon.com/Betcha-By-Golly-Wow/dp/B000QMFUCU/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&amp;qid=1257359010&amp;sr=1-1," ""I'm Stone in Love With You":http://www.amazon.com/Im-Stone-Love-You/dp/B000QWJX9G/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&amp;qid=1257359039&amp;sr=1-1," ""Break Up to Make Up":http://www.amazon.com/Break-Up-to-Make/dp/B000QMHRMG/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&amp;qid=1257359068&amp;sr=1-1," and ""You Make Me Feel Brand New":http://www.amazon.com/You-Make-Feel-Brand-New/dp/B000QMHQSQ/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&amp;qid=1257359101&amp;sr=1-1." Of all their peers, the Stylistics were one of the smoothest and sweetest soul groups of their era. All of their hits were ballads, graced by the soaring falsetto of Russell Thompkins, Jr. and the lush yet graceful productions of Thom Bell.

*The Emotions*
A Chicago-based trio of sisters with a strong gospel base, the Emotions were one of the leading female R&amp;B acts of the '70s. Lead singer Sheila Hutchinson and her sisters Wanda and Jeanette were only teenagers when they crashed the soul charts in 1969 with the engaging ""So I Can Love You":http://www.amazon.com/So-I-Can-Love-You/dp/B000U8KNM2/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&amp;s=dmusic&amp;qid=1257359241&amp;sr=8-1," but they sang gospel as children and enjoyed secular fame locally before signing with Memphis-based Volt and working with producers Isaac Hayes and David Porter.  In 1975, the group hooked up with Maurice White of Earth, Wind &amp; Fire, an association that led to the number one pop/R&amp;B hit ""Best of My Love":http://www.amazon.com/Best-Of-My-Love/dp/B00136LGBC/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&amp;qid=1257359345&amp;sr=1-1" in 1977.  Two years after Best of My Love, Maurice White and the Emotions collaborated on ""Boogie Wonderland":http://www.amazon.com/Boogie-Wonderland/dp/B001IT4DXC/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&amp;qid=1257359374&amp;sr=1-1," which was both a number two R&amp;B and number six pop hit. 

*Heatwave*
Completely cosmopolitan with international grooves to spare, Heatwave emerged as one of the disco era's funkiest dance groups.  Although based in Britain, Heatwave was formed by the Wilder brothers, Johnnie and Keith, on their discharge from the US Army. An advertisement in a music paper yielded England-born songwriter and keyboardist Rod Temperton, while further members recruited were American guitarists Eric Johns and Jessie Whitten, Czech drummer Ernest Berger, and Spanish bassist Mario Mantese.  Their sound, created in tandem with producer Barry Blue, fused elements of contemporary disco with funk and R&amp;B. Between 1977 and 1981 the group enjoyed a series of hit singles in both the UK and USA, including ""Boogie Nights"":http://www.amazon.com/Boogie-Nights-Single-Version/dp/B00137QUVM/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&amp;qid=1257359733&amp;sr=1-1 (number 2 in both countries), ""Too Hot To Handle"":http://www.amazon.com/Too-Hot-To-Handle/dp/B00137XMG8/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&amp;qid=1257359809&amp;sr=1-2 , "&#8216;The Groove Line&#8217;":http://www.amazon.com/The-Groove-Line/dp/B00136O3Q2/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&amp;qid=1257359518&amp;sr=1-1, ""Mind Blowing Decisions"":http://www.amazon.com/Mind-Blowing-Decisions-Album-Version/dp/B0015O80GQ/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&amp;qid=1257359859&amp;sr=1-1, ""Always And Forever"":http://www.amazon.com/Always-And-Forever/dp/B00137SYXY/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&amp;qid=1257359909&amp;sr=1-1 and ""Gangsters Of The Groove"":http://www.amazon.com/Gangsters-Of-The-Groove/dp/B00137QV3E/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&amp;qid=1257359941&amp;sr=1-2 .  Keith Wilder revived Heatwave in 1994, recruiting Andy Blackwood (vocals), Alex Charles (vocals), Dave Williamson (bass), Bill Jones (guitar/vocals), Kevin Sutherland (keyboards/vocals) and Byron Byrd (keyboards) for live and studio work.

*The Blue Notes*
Harold Melvin was one of the driving forces behind Philadelphia soul, leading his group the Blue Notes to the top of the charts during their stint on Kenny Gamble and Leon Huff's Philadelphia International label. Despite Melvin's billing out front, the Blue Notes' focal point was lead singer and onetime drummer Teddy Pendergrass, whose surging baritone graced the Blue Notes' recordings during their glory years of 1972-1975 and gave them a truly distinctive sound. Their output ranged from sweeping, extended proto-disco dance tracks to silky, smoldering ballads, all wrapped up in Gamble and Huff's lushly orchestrated production. When Pendergrass left for a solo career, Melvin &amp; the Blue Notes' continued to record for a time. By the time Melvin passed away in 1997, he'd been leading the Blue Notes for over four decades. The group&#8217;s hits include: ""If You Don't Know Me by Now":http://www.amazon.com/If-You-Dont-Know-Now/dp/B001D6HN28/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&amp;qid=1257360021&amp;sr=1-1," ""The Love I Lost":http://www.amazon.com/The-Love-I-Lost/dp/B001IBFXLG/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&amp;qid=1257360122&amp;sr=1-1," ""Satisfaction Guaranteed (Or Take Your Love Back)":http://www.amazon.com/Satisfaction-Guaranteed-Take-Your-Love/dp/B001D6N1AG/ref=sr_1_5?ie=UTF8&amp;qid=1257360155&amp;sr=1-5," ""Where Are All My Friends":http://www.amazon.com/Where-Are-All-My-Friends/dp/B001IBE4C0/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&amp;qid=1257360181&amp;sr=1-1," and ""Bad Luck":http://www.amazon.com/Bad-Luck/dp/B00138GZ2A/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&amp;qid=1257360653&amp;sr=1-2."

*Main Ingredient*
The Main Ingredient made it big as a sweet, romantic soul outfit with a particular flair for ballads. Paced by the impassioned lead vocals of Cuba Gooding, Sr. during their prime hit-making years, the Ingredient is best remembered for their 1972 classic ""Everybody Plays the Fool":http://www.amazon.com/Everybody-Plays-The-Fool/dp/B001BHE3BI/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&amp;qid=1257360240&amp;sr=1-1," but released a number of other fine singles, mostly during the first half of the '70s. The group was formed in Harlem in 1964 as a trio called the Poets, composed of lead singer Donald McPherson, Luther Simmons, Jr., and Panama-born Tony Silvester. Under the direction of producer Bert DeCoteaux, the Main Ingredient reached the R&amp;B Top 30 for the first time in 1970 with "You've Been My Inspiration." Things grew steadily from there; a cover of the Impressions' ""I'm So Proud":http://www.amazon.com/Im-So-Proud/dp/B001BHCUWM/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&amp;qid=1257360298&amp;sr=1-4" broke the Top 20, and ""Spinning Around (I Must Be Falling in Love":http://www.amazon.com/Spinning-Around-Must-Falling-Love/dp/B001BHHR9S/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&amp;qid=1257360331&amp;sr=1-1)" went Top Ten. They scored again with the McPherson-penned black power anthem ""Black Seeds Keep on Growing":http://www.amazon.com/Black-Seeds-Keep-On-Growing/dp/B001BHG05A/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&amp;qid=1257360366&amp;sr=1-1." The Gooding era began auspiciously enough with the million-selling smash "Everybody Plays the Fool," which hit number two R&amp;B and number three pop to become the group's biggest hit ever. The accompanying album, titled Bitter Sweet, became their first to hit the Top Ten on the R&amp;B charts. The group returned to the R&amp;B Top Ten in 1974 with ""Just Don't Want to Be Lonely":http://www.amazon.com/Just-Dont-Want-Be-Lonely/dp/B001BHCURW/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&amp;qid=1257360396&amp;sr=1-1," which sold over a million copies and also reached the pop Top Ten. In 1975, the group recorded several songs co-written by Leon Ware, including the R&amp;B Top Ten ""Rolling Down a Mountainside":http://www.amazon.com/Rolling-Down-A-Mountainside/dp/B001BHHRCK/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&amp;qid=1257360423&amp;sr=1-1." Silvester and Simmons re-formed the Main Ingredient in 1999 with new lead singer Carlton Blount; this lineup recorded Pure Magic in 2001. 

*Delfonics*
The Delfonics were one of the first groups to sing in the sleek, soulful style that became popularized (thanks to producer Thom Bell) as the "Philadelphia sound." A vocal trio made up of brothers William and Wilbert Hart and high school friend Randy Cain, the Delfonics roots go back to doo wop singing at school dances in the early '60s. In 1968 the band released the classic ""La La Means I Love You":http://www.amazon.com/Means-Love-Digitally-Remastered-1997/dp/B00136O3EO/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&amp;qid=1257361234&amp;sr=1-1," a song that began a string of hits lasting into the mid-'70s.  The sound that Bell created for the Delfonics was the antithesis of the soul sound that came from Stax in Memphis and Muscle Shoals in Alabama. He sandpapered away the grit, lightened up on the backbeat, brought in string sections, and created a smooth, airy sound. In the late '90s, the group played a significant musical role in Quentin Tarantino's film Jackie Brown. 

*Carl Carlton*
Carl Carlton began recording in the late '60s as Little Carl Carlton. His first single was "I Love True Love." Former Temptations member David Ruffin was a friend of Carlton. After listening to one of Ruffin's albums, Carlton got excited about one song, "Everlasting Love." Carlton wasn't aware that the song was previously a Top Ten hit for Robert Knight. In spite of the song's previous success, the first Carl Carlton single on ABC was ""I Wanna Be Your Main Squeeze":http://www.amazon.com/Wanna-Be-Your-Main-Squeeze/dp/B002EYNZYS/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&amp;qid=1257360833&amp;sr=1-1" with a low-key version of ""Everlasting Love":http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B002EYKKDC/ref=dm_dp_trk14?ie=UTF8&amp;qid=1257360833&amp;sr=1-1" on the flip. After given a more disco-friendly arrangement, "Everlasting Love," produced by Nashville's Papa Don Schroder, garnered Carlton his first Top Ten pop hit in 1974, peaking at number six and going to number 11 R&amp;B. An album, Everlasting Love was released and included two other singles, ""Morning Noon and Nighttime":http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B002EYO0JC/ref=dm_dp_trk16?ie=UTF8&amp;qid=1257360833&amp;sr=1-1" and a cover of Rufus' ""Smokin' Room":http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B002EYLWXE/ref=dm_dp_trk15?ie=UTF8&amp;qid=1257360833&amp;sr=1-1," which gave Carlton his second pop hit. 1975 saw Carlton travelling to Philadelphia to work with producer/songwriter Bunny Sigler. The resultant album, I Wanna Be With You, is generally regarded as Carlton's best album with the release of three singles, "Ain't Been No One Before You", ""Ain't Gonna Tell Nobody (About You)"":http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B002EYO0OC/ref=dm_dp_trk17?ie=UTF8&amp;qid=1257360833&amp;sr=1-1 , and "Live for Today, Not for Tomorrow.&#8221; Later, veteran soul singer Leon Haywood landed Carlton a singles deal with the label that he was signed to, 20th Century, which produced the single ""She's a Bad Mama Jama":http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B002EYGF7C/ref=dm_dp_trk19?ie=UTF8&amp;qid=1257360833&amp;sr=1-1." This track earned Carlton a gold record in 1981, staying at number two for eight weeks straight. The self-titled album to follow went gold as well. Such success afforded Carlton the opportunity to appear on such top-rated TV shows as Solid Gold, Soul Train, and American Bandstand and to tour major venues doing some dates with Rick James. 
</body>
    <created-at type="datetime">2009-11-03T13:19:43-05:00</created-at>
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    <id type="integer">59</id>
    <live type="boolean">true</live>
    <live-at type="datetime">2009-11-03T13:18:00-05:00</live-at>
    <name>Super 70s Soul Jam</name>
    <soldout type="boolean">false</soldout>
    <ticket-info>$39.50/$49.50/$69.50/$79.50</ticket-info>
    <ticket-link-name>Purchase Tickets</ticket-link-name>
    <ticket-link-url>http://www.ticketmaster.com/event/1D00436590992EBE?artistid=736215&amp;majorcatid=10001&amp;minorcatid=1</ticket-link-url>
    <ticket-phone-number>1-866-858-0008</ticket-phone-number>
    <updated-at type="datetime">2009-11-09T11:18:52-05:00</updated-at>
    <venue-name>The WaMu Theater at Madison Square Garden</venue-name>
  </event>
  <event>
    <body>Smooth Jazz New York is proud to present The HSBC Jazz Festival with 3 nights of legendary musical acts at The NOKIA Theatre Times Square!  Join us for a weekend of hits with performances by Spyro Gyra, Jonathan Butler, Al Jarreau, Christian Scott, Patti Austin, and Tuck &amp; Patti.  Shake off the winter cold with the warmth of familiar jazz favorites.
  
*SPYRO GYRA* 
For more than three decades, Spyro Gyra has maintained the well-deserved reputation as a viable and highly versatile creative force. Since their earliest recordings in the mid 1970s, they have taken a fresh approach to their craft by borrowing from a range of sources and distilling them into an unmistakable signature sound.
   
This innovative and eclectic sensibility has earned the band 10 GRAMMY nominations overall, and has fueled the sale of 11 million records -- including one platinum and two gold records. In the midst of the achievements and accolades, Spyro Gyra keeps moving and grooving, having logged over 5,000 high-energy performances in their prestigious and prolific career.
    
*JONATHAN BUTLER*
Jonathan Butler has led a life few could imagine. Born under the shadow of South African apartheid and raised in poverty, Butler while still in his teens, became the first non-white artist to be played on white mainstream radio and appear on national South African television. Nelson Mandela credits Butler&#8217;s music as having inspired him during his long days of imprisonment.
   
He has three decades of international acclaim and has topped the Billboard charts with Contemporary Jazz, R&amp;B, and Gospel albums.  His live performances are legendary &#8211; captivating and heart stirring.
   
*AL JARREAU*
Al Jarreau's distinctive voice has enthralled fans for more than 30 years. His passion, emotional honesty and astonishing sound have contributed mightily to the popularity jazz vocals enjoy today. Perhaps more than any popular vocalist, he embodies the notion of the voice as a pure instrument. Recognized with 6 GRAMMY Awards, he is the only vocalist in history to net GRAMMY Awards in three different categories (jazz, pop, and R&amp;B, respectively). Jarreau is considered by many to be the greatest jazz singer alive.  
      
*CHRISTIAN SCOTT*
Twenty six year old, New Orleans native, Christian Scott is a GEAMMY nominated jazz trumpeter, composer and producer. He has been heralded by JazzTimes magazine as "the Architect of a new commercially viable fusion" and "Jazz's young style God." NPR stated "Christian Scott Ushers in New Era of Jazz." Billboard Magazine called Scott's major label debut, Rewind That "arguably the most remarkable premiere the genre has seen in the last decade." The magazine highlighted Scott as one of the "10 Faces to Watch in 2006" and featured him on its cover twice that year. His critically acclaimed first album earned him the GRAMMY nomination for Best Contemporary Jazz Album in 2006.
    
*PATTI AUSTIN*
Native New Yorker Patti Austin made her professional debut at the Apollo Theater when she was 5 years old. Quincy Jones and Dinah Washington have proclaimed themselves her Godparents. She's had over twenty songs on the Billboard charts. She has sung duets with George Benson, Michael Jackson, Luther Vandross, and in 2008 won the GRAMMY for Best Jazz Vocal Performance. 
   
*TUCK AND PATTI*
If ever a musical pair embodied the term "simpatico" it would be guitarist Tuck Andress and singer Patti Cathcart. More than 20 years into their marriage and musical partnership, Tuck &amp; Patti continue to make beautiful and impressive music together while nicely preserving the art of minimalism. Tuck &amp; Patti aren't your ordinary duet team, however. Patti Cathcart has one of the warmest, richest voices in jazz. Her honey-toned, nimble vocals are matched by her partner and husband Tuck Andress' guitar artistry. With his technique of plucking, strumming and slapping the strings, often with both hands, he makes the guitar sound like several people playing together, not just one.</body>
    <created-at type="datetime">2010-02-01T00:50:47-05:00</created-at>
    <event-url></event-url>
    <featured type="boolean">true</featured>
    <id type="integer">67</id>
    <live type="boolean">true</live>
    <live-at type="datetime">2010-02-01T00:40:00-05:00</live-at>
    <name>HSBC Jazz Festival</name>
    <soldout type="boolean">false</soldout>
    <ticket-info></ticket-info>
    <ticket-link-name>Purchase Tickets</ticket-link-name>
    <ticket-link-url>http://www.ticketmaster.com</ticket-link-url>
    <ticket-phone-number>1-800-745-3000</ticket-phone-number>
    <updated-at type="datetime">2010-02-03T09:44:18-05:00</updated-at>
    <venue-name>The NOKIA Theatre Times Square</venue-name>
  </event>
  <event>
    <body>We're kicking off The HSBC Jazz Festival with two acts that are sure to keep you coming back for more! These high energy, highly talented artists put on a live show like you've never seen before, and for the first time ever you can see them both on one night, on one stage! Get ready for a night of jazz that will keep the town buzzing for months to come and this is only the beginning.
   
*SPYRO GYRA*
For more than three decades, Spyro Gyra has maintained the well-deserved reputation as a viable and highly versatile creative force. Since their earliest recordings in the mid 1970s, they have taken a fresh approach to their craft by borrowing from a range of sources and distilling them into an unmistakable signature sound.
   
This innovative and eclectic sensibility has earned the band 10 GRAMMY nominations overall, and has fueled the sale of 11 million records -- including one platinum and two gold records. In the midst of the achievements and accolades, Spyro Gyra keeps moving and grooving, having logged over 5,000 high-energy performances in their prestigious and prolific career.
  
*JONATHAN BUTLER*
Jonathan Butler has led a life few could imagine. Born under the shadow of South African apartheid and raised in poverty, Butler while still in his teens, became the first non-white artist to be played on white mainstream radio and appear on national South African television. Nelson Mandela credits Butler&#8217;s music as having inspired him during his long days of imprisonment.
   
He has three decades of international acclaim and has topped the Billboard charts with Contemporary Jazz, R&amp;B, and Gospel albums.  His live performances are legendary &#8211; captivating and heart stirring.
</body>
    <created-at type="datetime">2010-02-01T01:05:18-05:00</created-at>
    <event-url></event-url>
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    <id type="integer">68</id>
    <live type="boolean">true</live>
    <live-at type="datetime">2010-02-01T00:56:00-05:00</live-at>
    <name>Spyro Gyra &amp; Jonathan Butler</name>
    <soldout type="boolean">false</soldout>
    <ticket-info></ticket-info>
    <ticket-link-name>Reserved Seating</ticket-link-name>
    <ticket-link-url>http://www.ticketmaster.com/event/0000443DBE6A5CD2?artistid=737861&amp;majorcatid=10001&amp;minorcatid=4</ticket-link-url>
    <ticket-phone-number>1-800-745-3000</ticket-phone-number>
    <updated-at type="datetime">2010-02-03T09:44:25-05:00</updated-at>
    <venue-name>The NOKIA Theatre Times Square</venue-name>
  </event>
  <event>
    <body>Witness one of jazz&#8217;s greatest artists and discover a jazz legend in the making. Come see how the genre has evolved over the years as we bring together the classic vocals of jazz great Al Jarreau with the new, fresh sounds of budding trumpeter Christian Scott. 
     
*AL JARREAU*
Al Jarreau's distinctive voice has enthralled fans for more than 30 years. His passion, emotional honesty and astonishing sound have contributed mightily to the popularity jazz vocals enjoy today. Perhaps more than any popular vocalist, he embodies the notion of the voice as a pure instrument. Recognized with 6 GRAMMY Awards, he is the only vocalist in history to net GRAMMY Awards in three different categories (jazz, pop, and R&amp;B, respectively). Jarreau is considered by many to be the greatest jazz singer alive. 
   
*CHRISTIAN SCOTT*
Twenty six year old, New Orleans native, Christian Scott is a GEAMMY nominated jazz trumpeter, composer and producer. He has been heralded by JazzTimes magazine as "the Architect of a new commercially viable fusion" and "Jazz's young style God." NPR stated "Christian Scott Ushers in New Era of Jazz." Billboard Magazine called Scott's major label debut, Rewind That "arguably the most remarkable premiere the genre has seen in the last decade." The magazine highlighted Scott as one of the "10 Faces to Watch in 2006" and featured him on its cover twice that year. His critically acclaimed first album earned him the GRAMMY nomination for Best Contemporary Jazz Album in 2006.
</body>
    <created-at type="datetime">2010-02-01T01:16:34-05:00</created-at>
    <event-url></event-url>
    <featured type="boolean">false</featured>
    <id type="integer">69</id>
    <live type="boolean">true</live>
    <live-at type="datetime">2010-02-01T01:06:00-05:00</live-at>
    <name>Al Jarreau &amp; Christian Scott</name>
    <soldout type="boolean">false</soldout>
    <ticket-info></ticket-info>
    <ticket-link-name>Reserved Seating</ticket-link-name>
    <ticket-link-url>http://www.ticketmaster.com/event/00004442AD98AC2B?artistid=734054&amp;majorcatid=10001&amp;minorcatid=4</ticket-link-url>
    <ticket-phone-number>1-800-745-3000</ticket-phone-number>
    <updated-at type="datetime">2010-02-03T09:45:27-05:00</updated-at>
    <venue-name>The NOKIA Theatre Times Square</venue-name>
  </event>
  <event>
    <body>Rounding out a momentous weekend of jazz are two phenomenal acts that are sure to bring the house down. Don't miss the finale of The HSBC Jazz Festival with performances by GRAMMY-Award winning vocalist Patti Austin and power duo Tuck &amp; Patti! 
    
*PATTI AUSTIN*
Native New Yorker Patti Austin made her professional debut at the Apollo Theater when she was 5 years old. Quincy Jones and Dinah Washington have proclaimed themselves her Godparents. She's had over twenty songs on the Billboard charts. She has sung duets with George Benson, Michael Jackson, Luther Vandross, and in 2008 won the GRAMMY for Best Jazz Vocal Performance. 
   
*TUCK AND PATTI*
If ever a musical pair embodied the term "simpatico" it would be guitarist Tuck Andress and singer Patti Cathcart. More than 20 years into their marriage and musical partnership, Tuck &amp; Patti continue to make beautiful and impressive music together while nicely preserving the art of minimalism. Tuck &amp; Patti aren't your ordinary duet team, however. Patti Cathcart has one of the warmest, richest voices in jazz. Her honey-toned, nimble vocals are matched by her partner and husband Tuck Andress' guitar artistry. With his technique of plucking, strumming and slapping the strings, often with both hands, he makes the guitar sound like several people playing together, not just one.
</body>
    <created-at type="datetime">2010-02-01T01:24:43-05:00</created-at>
    <event-url></event-url>
    <featured type="boolean">false</featured>
    <id type="integer">70</id>
    <live type="boolean">true</live>
    <live-at type="datetime">2010-02-01T01:17:00-05:00</live-at>
    <name>Patti Austin &amp; Tuck and Patti</name>
    <soldout type="boolean">false</soldout>
    <ticket-info></ticket-info>
    <ticket-link-name>Reserved Seating</ticket-link-name>
    <ticket-link-url>http://www.ticketmaster.com/event/0000443ED7BB5816?artistid=734472&amp;majorcatid=10001&amp;minorcatid=202</ticket-link-url>
    <ticket-phone-number>1-800-745-3000</ticket-phone-number>
    <updated-at type="datetime">2010-02-03T09:44:39-05:00</updated-at>
    <venue-name>The NOKIA Theatre Times Square</venue-name>
  </event>
</events>
