TONIGHT! THE O’JAYS AND THE SPINNERS PLAY FREE CONCERT IN BROOKLYN
MONDAY AUGUST 20TH

The 25th Martin Luther King Jr. Concert Series continues with free performances by
60’s and 70’s classic soul and R&B legends!

On August 20th, the 25th annual Martin Luther King Jr. Concert Series at Wingate Field, hosted by Borough President Marty Markowitz, features exciting performances by classic soul legends The O’Jays and The Spinners.

Since 1983, the Martin Luther King Jr. Concert Series has grown and thrived, featuring such headliners as Ray Charles, Gladys Knight, Patti Labelle, Run DMC, Smokey Robinson, James Brown, and others. Long considered one of Brooklyn’s best kept secrets, the series is generating lots of buzz this year. In addition to coverage on popular websites and blogs like Fader Magazine's thefader.com and Brooklyn Vegan (brooklynvegan.com), the concerts have appeared in the New York Times, Newsday, the Daily News, Courier Life, and the Village Voice.

This year, Old School Night was followed by Gospel Night, featuring multi-talented performer Fred Hammond, known as the “Babyface of Gospel.” American Idol's Ruben Studdard opened for R&B legends Boys II Men, and Brooklyn's Mighty Sparrow celebrated his own 25th appearance on July 30 along with fire-bringers Machel Montano and Morgan Heritage. On August 6th, the multi-faceted Hip-hop and R&B diva Lauryn Hill wowed a crowd of 15,000. Last week, Anita Baker brought her heart and soul to Brooklyn with two fabulous concerts on the 13th and the 16th. Tonight the series concludes with R&B faves the O’Jays and the Spinners.
 
After 40-plus years making international hits like "For The Love Of Money," "Darlin' Darlin' Baby," "Love Train," "I Love Music," "Use Ta Be My Girl" and "Have You Had Your Love Today," The O'Jays are light years away from easing up on the gas. And like fine wine, they just get better with time. With an ocean-wide body of work spawning 24 Top Ten smashes and 59 total charted songs, a reputation for incredibly energetic and dynamic live shows, and mad respect for their Olympian vocals and political impact on generations and nations, Eddie Levert, Sr., Walter Williams, Sr. and Eric Grant's are living legends of R&B. All generations love the O'Jays, which is why their 2001 album "For The Love" was a chart-topper, and in 2002, that album was nominated for a Grammy Award. And the stage is where the O'Jays let it all out.

The Spinners piled up an incredible number of classic hits that defined the "Philly-soul" sound of the '70s and still get audiences moving today. Songs like "Mighty Love," "Then Came You," "I'll Be Around," "One Of A Kind (Love Affair)," "Games People Play," "Could It Be" and "Rubberband Man" are beloved for their lush arrangements, seductive, soaring vocals and unforgettable melodies. Today, original members Bobbie Smith, Henry Fambrough, and Pervis Jackson are joined onstage by lead singer Frank Washington, high tenor Harold "Spike" Bonhart and a soul-infused 5-piece band. This legendary R&B group has played everywhere from the Grammys to the White House, maintaining a full touring schedule as they perform for fans of all ages in sold out houses around the country.
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Wingate Field is located on Winthrop Street between Brooklyn and Kingston Avenues, opposite Kings County Hospital. The public is encouraged to bring chairs because seating is limited.  Performers are subject to change without notice. Call the concert hotline for updates at 718-469-1912, or visit www.brooklynconcerts.com.
  
Take the number 2 or 5 trains to Winthrop Street (5 runs rush hour only), and walk 2 blocks east. Visit brooklynconcerts.com for more travel information.