Concert goers to Experience Motown and Philly Sound Hits with Three Guest Vocalists and Return of Guest Conductor William Waldrop

The Springfield Symphony Orchestra (SSO) will perform a Motown and the Philly Sound Pops concert, titled “Let’s Groove Tonight,” on Saturday, January 17, 2026 at 7:30 pm at Springfield Symphony Hall. The concert will feature three guest vocalists with extensive repertoires, Cherise Coaches, Brik Liam and Jeremy Keith, and the return of Conductor William Waldrop.
Tickets for “Let’s Groove Tonight” are now on sale, starting at $25, online at SpringfieldSymphony.org, or by calling the SSO Box Office at (413) 733-2291.
According to Heather Caisse-Roberts, President & CEO of the SSO, “Motown and the Philly Sound are fearless, soulful, and made to be felt live…and bringing them to the stage with these incredible artists and a full orchestra is going to light up Symphony Hall.
“What makes the night even more powerful is doing it alongside our partners at MLK, Jr. Family Services and the Young Professional Society. This concert is about sound, soul, and community coming together in a way that only live music can,” said Caisse-Roberts.
Motown and the Philly Sound are iconic soul and R&B genres from the 1960s and 1970s that garnered legendary hit songs. Motown, originated in Detroit, focused on polished pop-soul with artists like The Supremes, The Temptations, and Marvin Gaye; while the Philly Sound, originated in Philadelphia, was spearheaded by groups like Gamble & Huff and MFSB, and featured lush orchestrations and dance-oriented tracks, often with a funkier feel.
Concertgoers will hear music by The Spinners, The Stylistics, The Temptations, Marvin Gaye, Lou Rawls, Diana Ross, Gamble & Huff, Percy Sledge and more. Famous hits from the Philly Sound will include Ain’t No Stopping Us Now and Love Train, joined by Motown staples including What’s Going On and I’m Coming Out.
The SSO is hosting this Pops concert during the weekend of the Martin Luther King Jr. national holiday and MLK, Jr. Family Services (MLKFS), will be the SSO’s nonprofit partner for the event with a table set up in the lobby. Upstairs in the Mahogany Room, there will be a vendor market featuring the Young Professional Society and a variety of Black-owned businesses. There will also be a photobooth for concertgoers to enjoy.
Cherise Coaches is an artist from Chicago who is on Broadway in Waitress with many other credits in theater. In television, Coaches has been in The Chi and Empire. She has also provided background vocals to Lizzo, Kanye West, Will Smith, PJ Morton, and many more. Her music is available on all streaming platforms.
With classic soul vibes reminiscent of Marvin Gaye blended with urban sounds, Brik Liam was cultivated in diverse backgrounds and raised in the church with his mother as head of the choir. Liam has released albums and has been an opening performer for Grammy-winning artist PJ Morton.
Jeremy Keith has earned international recognition as the lead vocalist for the BB King All Star Band at Sea and as a background vocalist for Grammy Award-winning artist Stephanie Mills. He’s also provided background vocals on Kaleo’s double platinum hit, “Way Down We Go.” Keith’s latest release, “Try”, has garnered widespread acclaim.
Conductor William Waldrop recently conducted the SSO’s signature Holiday Pops concert for the fourth year. He is a Broadway Music Director, Conductor and Pianist who served as the Associate Conductor for Broadway’s longest running musical, The Phantom of the Opera.
MassMutual and Massachusetts Cultural Council are Season Sponsors for the 2025-26 Season. ■