8 Track, the Sounds of the 70's celebrates some really great sounds and the funky beat that set the 70's apart as something unique!

The Willows Theater has brought us a delightful opportunity for a musical memory voyage back to the 1970’s with their current production of “8-Track, the Sounds of the 70’s”, in the Campbell Theatre in Martinez.” This show was originally conceived by Rick Seeber.

History books tell us that 8-track tapes stayed around for about 20 years, between the early 60’s to the mid 80’s. I think the last time I saw an 8 track tape player was probably 2 years ago in a thrift shop in Taos, New Mexico. There was even a small collection of the big boxy 8 track tapes that came with it. With LP record albums, 8 track cassettes and 45’s no longer playable on conventional record and tape players and with cassette tape players barely hanging on as viable media, the entire recorded music experience has changed for all of us. We certainly do not think about the phenomenon that we knew as 8 track players very often. Certainly, a lot of great music came cased in that large musical cassette that we had to pack into a small suitcase if we wanted to take very many along on the road.

When I think of music from the 70’s, I automatically think of tie-dye clothing, outrageous color combinations, polyester suits and disco music! When it comes to entertainment, the first thought that comes into my head, is about a young entertainer by the name of John Travolta and his first big movie, “Saturday Night Fever”, primarily because of the exciting musical sounds of the group called the Bee Gees (Maurice, Robin & Barry Gibbs). In that one movie, they, the Bee Gees, introduced or made huge inroads in the disco music scene with at least four major hit numbers. In addition to disco, the Motown and Soul Funk Sound (Detroit Rhythm and Blues) took a big up-swing in popularity.

The 70’s was a liberating time in our history and it provided the catalyst for many changes in society and a much broader pallet of musical interests. 8-Track, the Sounds of the 70’s, brings a diverse selection of upbeat music to the Campbell stage, by four really delightful young entertainers that make that music come alive again. 8-Track, the Sounds of the 70’s includes the songs of a very diverse group of entertainers, among them, Barry Manilow (I Write the Songs), Marvin Gaye (What’s Going On), The Doobie Brothers (Taking It To the Streets), Pattie LaBelle (Lady Marmalade), Barry White ( I Can’t Get Enough of Your Love, Baby), The Starland Vocal Band (Afternoon Delight), Debbie Boone (You Light Up My Life), Van McCoy (The Hustle), Gloria Gaynor (I Will Survive), Sister Sledge (We Are Family), Roberta Flack (The First time Ever I Saw Your Face), The Village People (YMCA) and a whole lot more.

The musical is basically a review of the great music and of the great memories associated with that period of our lives. I moved to the Bay Area in 1972 and lived the unique life that the Bay Area had to offer at that time. There is no plot or story in this musical, just song after song delivered by four really greatly talented entertainers, two of whom are only 19 years old but far beyond that in their years of mature talent.

Nicole Helfer, who plays “woman # 2”, has appeared on the Willows stage previously several times and you may remember my comments about her terrific voice and depth of acting skill from when she appeared as Miraid in the recent production of “Brimstone”. Not only is she a talented actress and singer, but she is a professional level dance choreographer who originally came into this show just to be the choreographer. When problems arose with another performer at the last minute, literally, on the eve of the final dress rehearsal, she stepped into to the show as one of the four singers and into a full blown performance with only one rehearsal behind her. That takes guts, an incredible memory and a terrific talent, more so than to simply be “familiar with a show” as garnered by directing the dance choreography. Wow! Not only does she make it work, but her contribution is absolutely sterling and her performance provides a major contribution to the show’s success. Nicole, who has trained specifically for a career in opera, brings her absolutely beautiful voice and extensive stage training to this production and you will not forget this lady any time soon!

Add to this a young man by the name of Isaiah Boyd (as man #2) , a high school student from Benecia, whose experience is primarily gathered from high school musicals accompanied by some great personal training and lots of perseverance. Isaiah is bound for greater things and I'm sure he will be someone you will fondly remember as "that young man I first saw at the Campbell Theater". What a voice!

Next, Giuliana Harris (Woman #1), a lovely young lady (19) originally from the Monterey Peninsula but is now making her home in the East Bay as her second home. Giuliana has a resume than encompasses everything “dance”, sung the National Anthem for the S. F. Giants and the Sports Car Club of America (all in 2009), many, many musical roles and has even recorded her first pop singing album, in addition to performing at Greek Festivals all over Northern California. Giulian delivers the sound of the 70’s with a voice that resonates with the “pop star ” sound of the 70’s.

Finally, Jon Pitman plays the part of “Man #1”, and delivers some quite memorable moments, especially in his duets with Nicole Helfer. Jon is a student at Los Positas College as a theater major. This show is at times very funny in part due to the interplay between the actor singers as they act out their roles in making the music come to life, dramatizing the lyrics. The upbeat and fun-filled lyrics are mellowed at times by some very romantic and thought-provoking lyrics. The music really corresponds with the complexities of life during this time period in America. Artistic director Richard Elliott and musical director Timothy Hanson have brought together a fine group of entertainers who create a most enjoyable evening of upbeat, hand-clapping fun, good for whatever ails ya, even if nothing ails you at all!

8-Track, the Sounds of the 70’s continues on Wednesdays at 3:30 and 7:30, Thursdays at 7:30, Fridays at 8 p.m., Saturdays at 2 p.m. and 8 p.m., and on Sundays at 3 p.m., and closing on April 18th. The Campbell Theatre is located at 636 Ward Street in Martinez. Call the box office for ticket reservations and any additional information at (925) 672-8717 or visit their website at www.willowstheatre.org . Tickets range in price between $22 and $32 each. The Theatre also provides an opportunity for you to purchase food, snacks and drinks (alcoholic and non-alcoholic) prepared in their own little refreshment restaurant, which will be served to you at your cabaret style table during the show. Martinez is also a great little town to come early and browse the many nearby antique stores, restaurants and shops, and who know, you might even spot the famous Martinez beavers at their dam in the stream just across the street! Don't miss this great experience!