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 The Sounds of the Supremes will bring the music of the influential vocal group to the Arcadia Theater Oct. 22.The show features Kaaren Ragland, a member of the Supremes from 1977 to 1985. "We're not a tribute act. We're a spin-off because I was in the Supremes," Ragland said. The group also features vocalists Kathy Merrick and Althea Burkhalter. "We have three strong singers, and it's all about the music," Ragland said. Ragland began the group in 1989. At the time, former Supremes Diana Ross and Mary Wilson were still performing the music, but as solo performers rather than in a vocal group. "People wanted to hear that music from a group," Ragland said. Performing with The Sounds of the Supremes, she said, is similar to her experience with the original group. "It's not very different. In the early days, some of the concerts were bigger, but it's a mix of all kinds of venues, just like it always has been." With The Sounds of the Supremes, Ragland has performed for audiences worldwide, including a recent series of theatrical concerts in Ireland similar to the show she plans to bring to the Arcadia Theater. "We stay pretty close to the style and original intent of the music, but we've enhanced the harmonies because we're older. We layer it more," she said. "It's three strong voices and we deliver the songs in our own fashion, which has been very successful because it's not just that copycat sort of stuff." The group will perform upwards of 20 of the Supremes' hits, including "You Keep Me Hanging On," "Stop in the Name of Love," "You Can't Hurry Love," and "Where did Our Love Go." "It's a high energy show, and it will feature different solos by the girls. It's going to be choreographed magnificently. Their glamour is spectacular, and they have a phenomenal band that works with them to create the incredible sounds and Motown memories," theater chairman Frank Cunsolo said. "It's a non-stop performance." The Sounds of the Supremes — like the original group — will bring choreographed dances and extravagant gowns to the stage, but Ragland said the group carries a contemporary feel. "We don't do retro. We do now. It's as if the Supremes were now." And audiences, she said, are still enjoying the music of Motown. "It's a funny thing about Motown. It has real staying power," she said. "People still want to hear Motown. It never stopped." The Sounds of the Supremes will take the stage at 8 p.m. Oct. 22. Ticket prices range from $35 to $39. For information or tickets, call (814) 467-9070.
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