In the legendary words of the most popular Motown hit, 'I Heard it Through the Grapevine', the word is out.

Tickets are selling fast for another great live music show produced by Howard Rego as a fundraiser for the Bermuda Society of Arts (BSoA).

The event, entitled Motown Live Soul Revue, will take place in the City Hall gallery on July 17 and 18, and be a special celebration marking the 50th anniversary of Motown Records.

The revue will feature classic hits made famous by artists from Berry Gordy's former Detroit-based recording company, and include a special tribute to Michael Jackson, whose 'Thriller' is the world's top-selling album.

"This show will highlight the Golden Era of Motown hits, including songs made popular by Martha and the Vandellas, The Four Tops, Marvin Gaye, The Temptations, Smokey Robinson and the Miracles, Stevie Wonder, The Supremes, Michael Jackson and many more," Mr. Rego says. "The chosen songs are among the most popular hits of all time, and we are sure that the audience will be as enthusiastic to hear them as we are to perform them.

"As always, people are encouraged to participate in the party atmosphere that the evening is sure to produce – so forget all the bad news, 'Tell Me Something Good', and remember 'How Sweet It Is'.

Encouraged by the positive feedback and resounding success of last year's The Booze Brothers' concerts, Mr. Rego and the BSoA are again pursuing the twin goals of bringing back live music to the local scene and fundraising for the Society.

Many ideas were kicked around once it was decided to follow up the success of last year's shows, but when it emerged that 2009 is the 50th anniversary of Motown Records, the choice was simple.

"Saluting the 'masters of Motown' is guaranteed to demonstrate that this music is timeless, and still has the appeal it always had, rivalling anything that is produced today," Mr. Rego says.

"We could do a tribute show to each of the artists or groups that came off the Berry Gordy assembly line – and in fact we just might!"

Meanwhile, the producer/drummer and his fellow musicians and singers are spending long hours rehearsing for what he assures will be another top-class event.

"A lot of work is involved in producing these shows; new material must be learned by all the musicians, and the music has to be of the highest calibre to keep the audience coming back for more," he says. "You can rest assured that Motown Live Soul Revue will be as professional and as exciting as The Booze Brothers'show."

Indeed, over 200 tickets have already been sold by word of mouth – or to quote the Motown hit, they 'Heard it Through the Grapevine'.

In terms of the musicians and singers, Mr. Rego confirms the line-up will be "as impressive as ever, with American artists joining resident performers to create a powerful international ensemble".

"This cross-cultural pollination brings a fresh take on the music being presented," he says.

"We have two of our finest young vocalists performing with a veteran rhythm section, resulting in a really exciting and vibrant show."

Joining Mr. Rego are Bermudian vocalists Lamont Robinson and Nicole Burgess, while lead guitarist and former Bermuda resident Tim De Huff, bass guitarist David Livoisi and keyboardist Nicholas Bariluk are from overseas. Mr. Robinson and Ms Burgess are well known to local audiences, having both performed lead roles in 'Dream Girls' and 'Tony and Tina's Wedding', among others. Mr. Rego describes them as "two of the most talented vocalists on the Island, who are sought after by many a band".

Mr. De Huff is legendary here, and has a huge fan base, having played between 1978 and 1990 with Mr. Rego and numerous other local musicians at just about every venue. Elsewhere, he has appeared on numerous TV, radio and movie sound tracks, as well as commercial spots. For over 20 years, he has been teaching guitar privately.

Mr. Livoisi is a graduate of the Berklee College of Music and Western Connecticut State University. His many recording and performing credits include The Platters, John Scofield (Bump), Nelson Rangell, Marion Meadows, Jazz is Dead, Rod Morganstein and T. Lavitz, among many others.

Mr. Bariluk has been a career musician for over 25 years. His interest and development in a wide variety of music includes classical, Brazilian, jazz, and contemporary Christian genres. He has toured the US, Europe and Jamaica with recording artists including Bob Baldwin, Sherry Winson, and Jon Lucien. and has his own production company, New Song Productions. In addition, he has written music for over 30 films. Mr. Rego is a veteran of the music business here and overseas, and has devoted his life to his art. He has performed with The Savages, Sly and the Family Stone, Peter Frampton, Edgar Winter, Danny Kalb of the Blues Project, the original Broadway Rocky Horror Show, Robert Mason, and The Booze Brothers Band.

Motown Live Soul Revue takes place in the main gallery of the Bermuda Society of Arts on the upper level of City Hall on July 17 and 18. Doors open at 7 p.m., and showtime is 8 p.m. The programme will comprise two 75-minute sets with one interval. Tickets ($40) are available from the BSoA gallery, (292-3824), and patrons are advised to book early, due to demand.