Soul Sound Revue to Bring Motown to Glen Cove

If an invitation for multiple return engagements is the true measure of flattery for performing artists, the members of Soul Sound Revue can definitely consider themselves flattered by the Glen Cove community. 

Making their third appearance, by popular demand, this singing, dancing, multi-instrument ensemble headlines Friday's Downtown Sounds concert at the Village Square.   

Whether your taste is The Drifters' "Under the Boardwalk," Stevie Wonder's "You Are the Sunshine of My Life," Phil Collins's "Easy Lover," or Wilson Pickett's "Mustang Sally," SSR will have you dancing in the street in front of the bandstand. In fact, their music and its delivery are so energetic they literally defy you to try keeping still.   

Vocalists/dancers Rahsahn Langley, Rick Childs, and Rick Anthony are backed by music director Rick Varlese's exciting band of instrumentalists, including: Jim Hunt, Chris Herbert, Bret Jefferson, Charles Evans, and Eric Leone. 

The vocal/instrumental mix brings to life the unique stylings of the best in 1960s and '70s R&B and soul, reminiscent of acts like the Four Tops, the Temptations, the Miracles, Barry White and James Brown. 

Celebrating its 25^th anniversary this year, SSR has performed with the Chi-Lites, The Drifters, Tower of Power, Little Anthony and the Imperials, among many others.

They have a regular gig at the world-renowned Mohegan Sun Resort Casino in Connecticut and have played such prestigious events as the late Tim' Russert's Summer Groove to benefit the Nantucket Boys & Girls Club. Much in demand for adding a great measure of excitement to weddings, SSR has been featured in Bride's magazine.   

How do they feel about multiple return engagements in Glen Cove? 

"What a success," said music director Varlese, "a real gathering of the Glen Cove community, rain or shine, dancing and in the streets. We perform all over the country and have yet to experience a community more fun than the people of Gen Cove. We love Glen Cove and can't wait until we are back." 

The free concerts are held every Friday between Glen and Bridge Streets at 7:30 p.m. until Aug. 27. Attendees are encouraged to bring a lawn chair. There is free parking in the nearby municipal garages. 

Visitors can also take advantage of the $15 Music Box Special, a fixed price dinner program being offered by a number of local restaurants as part of their participation in the concert series. Choices include entrées that range from chicken wraps to chicken parmesan, shrimp tempura to monster ribs.