Photos by Andy Argyrakis

Take three of the top vocal groups from the 1960s onward, combine them in a single show and it was a super “Soul Jam” indeed when Russell Thompkins Jr. & The New Stylistics, The Manhattans featuring Gerald Alston and Enchantment entertained the Hard Rock Live Northern Indiana, presented by Urban Vibe Entertainment.

The acclaimed concert hall on the same site as the flashy casino was immersed in R&B royalty, thanks in part to Thompkins Jr.’s latest edition of the Philadelphia group he co-founded that paved the way for such superstars as Daryl Hall & John Oates, Boyz II Men, New Kids On The Block and Silk Sonic.

Together, the silky trio and a giant band turned in the monumental likes of “You Make Me Feel Brand New,” “Stop, Look, Listen (To Your Heart),” “You Are Everything” and “People Make The World Go Round” as if little time had passed.

“Break Up To Make Up” and “I’m Stone In Love With You” made for mighty memories as well, though there was no more ideal way for The New Stylistics to end then the truly timeless “Betcha By Golly, Wow” and a brief reprise of “Brand New.”

Romance and remembrances were also a primary priority for all three of The Manhattans, led by the legendary Gerald Alston, singer and sole survivor from the classic 1970s and ‘80s line-up of the fellow Philly natives.

In fact, his signature voice continued to define “We Never Danced To A Love Song,” “It Feels So Good To Be Loved So Bad,” “There’s No Me Without You,” “Shining Star,” “Kiss And Say Goodbye” and others he originated throughout a tightly-packed and tuneful overview.

Detroit’s longstanding line-up of Enchantment provided an appetizer of its own smooth ballads, plus a few fitting covers out of the surrounding eras, including a tribute to the late great Frankie Beverly & Maze via “Before I Let Go.”

Alongside personal standards “Sunshine,” “Gloria” and “It’s You That I Need,” the Hard Rock and Urban Vibe served up quite a soulful spread where the harmonies were just as impressive as the respective histories.

For additional information on Russell Thompkins Jr. & The New Stylistics, The Manhattans featuring Gerald Alston, Enchantment, visit RussellThompkinsJr.com, LetsJustKissAndSayGoodbye.com and Facebook.com/40YearsOfLoveSongs.

Upcoming concert highlights at Hard Rock Live Northern Indiana include Frankie Valli And The Four Seasons (Mar. 28); George Wallace, J. Anthony Brown, Michael Colyar and Ted Carpenter (Mar. 29); Los Lobos and Los Lonely Boys (Apr. 5); Tyler Henry (Apr. 6); Walker Hayes (Apr. 19); Hollywood Undead and Tech N9ne (May 1); Marilyn Manson (May 3); George Lopez (May 16); Chippendales (May 17); Whiskey Myers (Jun. 14); Kevin Hart (Jun. 15); Travis Tritt (Aug. 16) and Sting (Nov. 23). For additional details, visit HardRockCasinoNorthernIndiana.com.

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