Fans of Motown’s timeless hits can relive the music of The Big Chill when a live concert inspired by the classic film comes to the peninsula.
The Big Chill Out Motown Spectacular takes the stage at the Redcliffe Entertainment Centre this month, celebrating the best-selling soundtrack that sparked a Motown revival.
The production stars The Voice winner Judah Kelly and American-born Australian singer Asabi Goodman with a 10-piece band.
“I grew up listening to a lot of the music coming out of Motown Records,” Judah said. “When I was 12, I heard and started to fall in love with country music, and that’s what I play and create for the most part now. But when the opportunity came my way to sing the songs I grew up with, I had to get on board!”
Released in 1983, The Big Chill became a box office success, while its soundtrack spent 161 weeks on the charts, reaching number 17 on the Billboard 200. It remains a six-times Platinum record.
Judah said the appeal of performing in The Big Chill Out was the nostalgia of both the music and the film.
“When I was approached for the show, I hadn’t seen the movie, but when they explained to me that this is the soundtrack that saved Motown Records, I LOVED that!” he said. “Even though the music already stood on its own, the movie elevated it for a whole new generation.”
Asabi said she was too young to see The Big Chill when it was released, but remembered her parents loving the movie and singing its songs.
“Then the songs began to pop up on commercials and in other films, and my friends and I started to sing and love them,” she said. “The movie truly had an impact on our lives.”
Iconic Soundtrack Hits and Show Format
The Big Chill Out features songs by Marvin Gaye, The Temptations, Aretha Franklin, Smokey Robinson, Creedence Clearwater Revival, The Rolling Stones, The Band, Procol Harum and the Spencer Davis Group.
The show is presented in two acts, with the first celebrating the original soundtrack and the second showcasing Motown favourites and highlights from the deluxe edition release.
“I am a huge fan of Motown music; the smoothness, the way it makes me feel, the nostalgia…and the tunes are all fantastic to sing,” Asabi said. “Plus, I truly love performing and bringing joy and happiness to people.
“I hope the audience leaves feeling joyful and maybe a bit more knowledgeable about the era and music.”
For tickets, go to www.redcliffeentertainmentcentre.com.au/Events/The-Big-Chillout
The Big Chill Out: Motown Spectacular
- Friday, 18 September, 7.30pm
- Redcliffe Entertainment Centre
- Downs Street, Redcliffe.
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