By Regina Clontz

The Mars Theatre has a marketing tagline, “Where history plays on”.  

On Friday, the sold-out crowd that came to see Garfield Fleming and That Motown Band could “second that emotion.”   

“History” is such a big word. It encompasses all the tragedy and triumph, the maniacal, the tyrannical, the peace-seeking and the heroic. In most lifetimes, enough history transpires, unsettling the stomach, leaving a grim picture of the future for subsequent generations. This is reality.  

So, to experience the happenings at the historic (there’s that word again) Mars Theatre on Friday, well, it was — the stuff of legends. The elements were all in place.  

That Motown Band is a 10-piece band that played nostalgic songs that the audience knew by heart.  eatured singer Garfield Fleming is special. He is quotable, using phrases like “big respect” and “It takes good to know good.” His light shines bright. Not only is it as if he has stepped out of a time machine from a “Soul Train” episode, but he also commands the audience in a way that only a professional could. “Put your hands together,” and the audience does, “Get up off of your feet,” and the audience does. 

The crowd was diverse. The age range was newborn to 80 (at least). Seats were filled by neighbors near and folks from afar. This melting pot of voices sang along to the songs by The Temptations and Smokey Robinson, evoking smiles and lifting spirits. Folks were united. Politics did not matter, the state of the world tabled.  The joy was contagious, the music fantastic, the Motown movement moved those in attendance.   

As the band came out for its encore, “Love Train,” the crowd cheered on, took to its feet once more dancing and smiling. When the lyrics, “Tell those folks in China and Russia, too” landed, one could hear a  clearly audible, “YES” from the crowd. Unbelievably, many formed a soul train that led them around the theatre. It was a sight. 

What a high. There was truly love and energy in the room passing between all in attendance. The upturned expressions, the joyful noise and the toe-tapping electricity was beyond contagious. 

For a moment, this was history, underscored by peace and love for all mankind.  In today’s world, it’s hard to imagine that the remarkable can still occur. But it did.  

The Mars Theatre is a living landmark. Quite simply, it’s “Where history plays on.” Thank you to everyone who supports community arts.

 For upcoming live events and movies or to donate, visit www.marstheatre.com.

Regina Clontz is the director of the Mars Theatre.