The Temptations and the Four Tops to play at Chrysalis
Bringing back Motown, this year’s ball promises a flashback to the era of snappy vinyl records
By Lily Beauvilliers
Senior Editor
The Temptations and the Four Tops will headline the 11th annual Chrysalis ball April 24. This year’s theme is Motown, taking its cue from the chosen performers.
The Temptations and the Four Tops may not be immediately recognizable names for some students, but many of their songs are classic hits.
Some of The Temptations’ popular radio tunes include “My Girl” and “Papa Was a Rolling Stone,” while the Four Tops are known for “Reach Out, I’ll Be There.”
“Between the two of them, they have 40 or 50 songs people will know,” said Carrie Ingoldsby, assistant director of the Campus Activities & Programs Center (CAP).
The Activities and Campus Events (ACE) Traditions Committee, a group of students based out of the CAP Center, chose the bands, food and décor.
“We chose the Temptations and the Four Tops to come and perform at Chrysalis because not only are they timeless, but they are also very entertaining,” said Chelsea Burghoff ’11, chair of the ACE Traditions Committee.
These groups were particularly chosen for their style.
“Every year, we look for ... something that everyone wants to dance to, that’s upbeat and fun,” said Sara Goodwin, assistant director of the CAP Center.
Neither group features its original lineup. Second tenor/baritone Otis Williams is the only original member of The Temptations, according to the group’s Web site.
First tenor Abdul “Duke” Fakir is the only surviving member of the Four Tops, the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame’s Web site said.
Both groups began in Detroit, Mich., the birthplace of Motown music, which got its name from a record company in the same city, according to the Motown Historical Museum’s Web site.
The ACE Traditions Committee hopes to include classic pop culture icons from the movement in the Chrysalis décor. For example, the committee hopes to use vinyl records to decorate the Gerhard Fieldhouse for the event.
“Right now, we’re looking at black and white linens, and a gold and silver theme with pops of red. It should be pretty and snazzy,” Goodwin said.
With dancing as the ball’s main highlight, the ACE Traditions Committee goes through a careful process to choose the band. Members negotiate between a list of desired groups and an agent. The same agent who books the fall and spring concerts books Chrysalis’ band.
The agent receives the price range and list of possible groups, replies with who is available, and adds suggestions. The committee looks for music recognizable to many different generations that won’t dominate the event.
“We don’t want it to be a concert,” Goodwin said.
A mixture of students, faculty, staff and alumni attend Chrysalis, whose ticket sales have grown every year. “It’s a Bucknell staple,” Goodwin said.
Food and non-alcoholic beverages are available, along with beer and wine for those 21 and over.
“We’re really excited for the bands this year. It’s a fun theme to work with,” Goodwin said.
Tickets will go on sale March 16, starting at $15 for students and $25 for all others.
On March 30, prices will go up to $20 for students and $30 for all others.
Tickets can be purchased at all box office locations.
