Nowhere to Run, Jimmy Mack and Heatwave- songs that defined an era and an artist. Bona fide classics, those at this year’s Rochdale Feel Good festival will be expecting to hear these and more when headline act Martha Reeves arrives with her full live band on Saturday 1 September.
In addition to the aforementioned chart smashes she’s arguably best known for Dancing in the Street, and her work with the Vandellas. Starting out life in the A&R department of a then-fledgling Detroit label called Motown, looking after Little Stevie Wonder in the process, she went on to dominate the Motor City scene.
And this so-called ‘sound of young America’ still holds its own today, with her more recent work, such as 2004’s Home To You, arriving to widespread acclaim, in that instance being labelled by some critics as amongst the finest of the year. Meanwhile, a Mojo Outstanding Contribution to Music Award and recent four-day residency at London’s legendary Ronnie Scott’s also speak volumes.
Clearly then Martha ranks in the leagues of true luminaries, so her performance at the Rochdale Feel Good Festival- set to recreate her biggest records- will be a momentous occasion, and fittingly comes as the first major musical announcement for the event, which runs on Friday 31 August and Saturday 1 September. Previous guests have included Fun Lovin’ Criminals and Frankie & The Heartstrings, with the focus on marrying high profile, international artists with the best from the area and wider region.
Event Manager, Debbie O’Brien, said:
“We’re delighted to welcome Martha Reeves as the main headliner for the weekend. A true Motown legend and all round exceptional performer, that she’s playing with a full ensemble is the icing on the cake, and as you can imagine there’s a lot of anticipation surrounding her show, which promises to be nothing short of spectacular. In all honesty we really couldn’t think of a better person to top our bill.”
More acts will be confirmed later this month.
In addition to a full programme of live music, the free festival will include a food stage and 2 day market. Celebrity chef Jean-Christophe Novelli has already been announced as one of the top chefs set to host live cooking demonstrations in the festivals celebrity kitchen.
The Rochdale Feel Good Festival is organised by Rochdale Town Centre Management and Rochdale Borough Council.
For festival updates go to Facebook,or connect with the Rochdale Feel Good Festival on twitter
