A persistent cold may have left Richmond singer Sibel Thrasher with a raspy voice this week, but she’s confident of being ready to belt out some Motown hits in support of a good cause March 28 at the legendary Commodore Ballroom in Downtown Vancouver.
“Motown music, it keeps your feet pattin’, your heart beating to rhythm, and makes you feel all good,” said Trasher, 65, who has been a mainstay on local stages since coming to B.C. in the early 1980s from Cincinnati, Ohio. “And just thinking about it is making me feel better right now.”
Helping get her ready is the support the Motown Meltdown show will be giving to Seva Canada, a Vancouver-based organization, founded in 1982 to eliminate preventable blindness and restore sight for people in a host of developing countries around the globe.
“It’s a very special organization for the vision impaired,” said Thrasher. “And I am so happy to be there for them.”
Thrasher will be joined in the show by a long list of local entertainers backed by a 12-piece band.
Among those taking the stage to add their individual style to the Motown sound will be Jim Byrnes, Jane Mortifee, Marcus Mosely, Will Sanders and Candus Churchill.
Thrasher will be performing her rendition of Hold On, I’m Comin.’
“That’s such a great song,” said Thrasher, who has performed with the likes of Long John Baldry, Donna Summer, the Platters and opened for Etta James. “But one of the best things about doing this show is being able to see so many wonderful performers I know. It’s like a huge reunion. And what better place to do it than on the Commodore Ballroom stage.
“It will be so cool. I can’t wait to get there and see everybody.”
The Meltdown for Motown hits the stage March 28 at the Commodore Ballroom (868 Granville Street). Doors open at 7 p.m. and showtime is 8 p.m. Tickets, $32 are available through Ticketmaster or Highlife Records (1317 Commercial Drive). On the night, tickets will be $42 at the door.
For more information about the show and Seva Canada, visit seva.ca/motownmeltdown.htm.
