(Oneida, NY – Jan. 2013) Dennis McDermott and Mike Kallet team up to present the History of Motown at Oneida Public Library Thursday, Jan. 24, at 6:30 p.m. as a preview of the Oneida Healthcare Foundation’s winter gala Feb. 8 dubbed “Motown at the Downs.”
In the 1960s and 1970s, Motown, the name of the famous music company out of Detroit, introduced mainstream America to African-American artists and groups such as the Four Tops, Marvin Gaye, Gladys Knight and the Pips, Diana Ross and the Supremes and Stevie Wonder. Their infectious appeal and distinctive sound opened up a new era in popular entertainment.
“We’ll be doing a presentation of approximately one hour focusing on the history and music of Motown Records,” McDermott said. “Ain’t nothing” like the real thing, but it will still be pretty good.”
McDermott and Kallet, both Motown enthusiasts, have contributed their expertise to the program to help stir up interest for the Oneida Healthcare Foundation’s second annual fundraising dance, this year to be held at Vernon Downs Casino Hotel, when the Soul Mine band will revive the real sound of Motown artists.
“The net proceeds from the dance will benefit the Fun Fit with Friends program, a collaborative program of health and fitness awareness for youth in our fight against childhood obesity and associated childhood diseases,” said Mary Anne Petrie, a member of the Healthcare Foundation’s Winter Gala Committee.
At his daytime job, Dennis McDermott serves as a judge in Madison County Family Court and as an Acting Supreme Court Justice for the 6th Judicial District. Mike Kallet is president and chief executive officer of Oneida Financial Corp. and chief executive officer of Oneida Savings Bank. Until the end of 2011, he also served as president of Oneida Savings.
The History of Motown is free and open to the public.
For more information, stop by the Oneida Library, 220 Broad St., or call 363-3050.