October 2, 2026 • 8:30pm
Star Pavillion
The Temptations have been around since 1961 when they were signed by Motown Records. That original vocal group was Otis Williams, Melvin Franklin, Paul Williams, Eddie Kendricks and Elbridge “Al” Bryant. Later, the group would include lead singers David Ruffin and Dennis Edwards, as other members came and went. Williams is the only original left in the group, still a powerhouse performer at age 84.
The current lineup which I saw perform was Williams, Ron Tyson, Terry Weeks, Tony Grant, and Jawan M. Jackson. They still perform in matching suits, and their trademark dance moves are fine as silk. These performers, from Williams to the most recent member, bringing style, professionalism and fun to the stage. You feel the joy in their interactions, whether it’s with each other or the audience. The first few songs there wasn’t a lot of talk with the audience, but by the end of the concert, during the crowd-pleasing “My Girl”, they had selected five members of the enthusiastic crowd to join them on stage, each to introduce themselves and each sing the first verse of the song with them. The audience loved that participation and walked on air out out of the venue when the group finished the next, and last song. But wait, at the conclusion of “(I Know) I’m Losing You”, the group exited and were called back out to bow and thank the crowd. But wait, as the band continued to play, Williams and group stood at the front of the stage, soaking up the love from the audience, and fist-bumped and touched hands with the many who had crowded up to the stage. That, concluded a joyous 80 minute journey back through the musical soundtrack of the 1960s.
The audience was a cultural mix of ages, color and life experiences. But everyone had one thing in common – the music. Shoulder to shoulder, singing, dancing, and simply rocking to the songs, we all soaked up the sunshine and fond memories of what the music meant to each of us. Many in the audience were too young to have heard these songs on the radio or spinning the 45s. One of the audience members who was invited on stage had said that her dad (who was recording this on his phone) had sung “My Girl” to her while she was still in her mother’s womb. You couldn’t have scripted this any better.
The band playing behind the five vocalists was tight and played the music as you heard it on the radio. This five member band was augmented by a horn section, we all know that Motown music needs horns to fully complete the picture.
The setlist
“Overture”
“Get Ready” 🎷
“I Can’t Get Next to You” 🎷
“The Way You Do the Things You Do” 🎷
“Ain’t Too Proud to Beg”🎷
“Ball of Confusion (That’s What the World Is Today)” 🎷
“I Wish It Would Rain” 🎷
“Just My Imagination (Running Away With Me)” 🎷
“Beauty Is Only Skin Deep” 🎷
“Since I lost my baby 🎷
“Try to Remember”🎷
“Papa Was a Rollin’ Stone
(The Undisputed Truth cover)”🎷
“My Girl”🎷
“(I Know) I’m Losing You”🎷
A sample of what I heard, this clip is from a show earlier this year.
A glimpse backstage warming up. Who needs music?
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