May 27: Stylistics, Delfonics, Manhattans Headline 2017 Umoja Festival

PORTSMOUTH
Three major bands will share headline duties at the annual UMOJA Festival on Saturday, May 27 at Portsmouth Pavilion.  Doors open at 6:30 p.m., and the concert begins at 7:30 p.m.

The Stylistics had 12 straight Top-10 hits, and their debut album was the first to ever produce six hit songs. From Philadelphia, the band’s hits include “You Are Everything,” “Betcha By Golly, Wow,” “I’m Stone in Love With You,” “Break Up to Make Up” and “You Make Me Feel Brand New.” Of all their peers, the Stylistics were the smoothest and sweetest soul group of their era.

The Delfonics’ unique style of singing and their patented dance steps capture the fancy of popular music followers both Black and white, making them a stellar attraction at rock concerts, theaters and on the night club circuit. Their breakthrough song “LA LA Means I Love You” began a steady string of hits including, “You Get Yours I’ll Get Mine,” “I’m Sorry,” “Break Your Promise” and “Ready Or Not.”  “Didn’t I Blow Your Mind This Time” won a Grammy for the top Soul hit of 1970.

The Manhattans are recognized for their timeless romantic ballads. They had eight songs in the R&B Top 10 between 1973 and 1978, with the composition “Kiss And Say Good Bye” going to #1 on both the R&B and Pop Charts in 1976 and placing in the top five in England and Australia. “Shining Star” made it to #5 on the Pop Charts, staying on the charts for 14 straight weeks.  Other hits include: “One Life to Live,” “There’s No Me Without You,” “Don’t Take Your Love,” “Hurt,” “I Kinda Miss You,” “It Feels So Good to Be Loved So Bad,” “We Never Danced to a Love Song,” “Am I Losing You,” and “Crazy.”

Tickets go on sale Friday, April 21 at 10 a.m. at the Pavilion Box Office and all Ticketmaster locations, charge by phone at (800) 745-3000 or purchase online at www.ticketmaster.com.