'When Music Was at its Best' at Vern Riffe Center for the Arts

Stroll down musical memory lane with Michael Jackson, Smokey Robinson, Jackie Wilson, Aretha Franklin, Tyrone Davis, Otis Redding and Johnny Taylor at Shawnee State University’s Vern Riffe Center for the Arts at 8 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 23.

Hosted by “Clean” Comedian Bryant “BLT” Turner, the music and comedy tribute presents some of the greatest hits from some of music’s great performers.

BLT has been entertaining audiences with clean comedy for all ages. Born and raised in Chicago, when he was young, he used humorous antics just to get a laugh. As he grew older he realized his comedic ability was a talent that he has since taken around the world.

Each performer highlights some of the greatest music hits of all time. Ed Hollis has captivated audiences across America as he impersonates Michael Jackson. He dances with the same energy and verve as Jackson did.

Estavion White has dazzled the stage with his tribute to Jackie Wilson singing his greatest hits with all the energy that Jackie Wilson did. One observer said, “His performance is stellar and will leave you wanting more.”

Soul-blues vocalist Theo Huff was selected as “2009 Reader’s Choice Best Blues Act” in the Chicago Reader. He has a resonant voice reminiscent of Johnnie Taylor in his prime.

Tina Brown pays tribute to the “Queen of Soul” Aretha Franklin. With a voice ranging from tenor to second soprano, this songstress who joined the all adult choir at the tender age of 8 and became the choir director and teacher at age 13, can stand with the best of them.

Her philosophy is "Whatever your gift is, it should make a positive difference in someone’s life." Tina has been compared to great artists like Aretha Franklin, Gladys Knight, Sarah Vaughn and Angie Stone. Her style is rich in Gospel, R&B, Neo-Soul and a hint of Jazz all rolled up into one sound that is distinctively, unmistakably, Tina.

Julian will pay tribute to the great Smokey Robinson. Crooning the smooth sounds of Smokey, Julian’s audiences go wild when they hear the sounds of Smokey on stage with such hits as “Quiet Storm” and “Ooh, Baby, Baby.”

Tickets are only $10 for adults and $5 for children 12 and under, seniors and students. Tickets may be purchased at the McKinley Box Office in the Vern Riffe Center for the Arts at Shawnee State University from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, online at Ticketmaster.com or any Ticketmaster Outlet, or by calling 740-351-3600. The show is sponsored by SSU’s Student Activities and Cross Cultural Inclusion.