Members of The Manhattan Transfer, from left, are Trist Curless, Cheryl Bentyne, Alan Paul and Janis Siegel. Screenshot of photo from The Manhattan Transfer website.
A legendary vocal quartet is celebrating its 50th anniversary and making its final world tour, with one of its stops on the Big Island.
Ten-time Grammy Award-winning group The Manhattan Transfer has two shows next week at the Kahilu Theatre in Waimea. Don’t miss your chance to see the group live one last time. The shows are scheduled for Feb. 23 and 24 at 7 p.m. both days. Ticket prices start at just $35.
The Manhattan Transfer has sold millions of records worldwide since founder Tim Hauser organized the quartet Oct. 1, 1972.
Before founding the four-part harmony group, Hauser, a former Madison Avenue marketing executive in New York City, was paying his bills by driving a taxi cab while aspiring to form a vocal group that could embrace various musical styles and still create something unique in the field of American popular song.
The original group consisted of Hauser, Janis Siegel, Alan Paul and Larel Masse. Cheryl Bentyne replaced Masse in 1979 and Trist Curless replaced Hauser following his death Oct. 16, 2014, more than 40 years after he started the group.
After its recording debut in 1975, the group was primarily known as an East Coast cult act, but quickly expanded its following after starring in its own 1975 CBS-TV variety series and garnering a No. 1 hit in Europe with “Chanson D’Amour.”
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“It’s astounding to me that the group has been able to create and share our musical harmony for five decades. It is truly a blessing,” Paul says on the group’s website.
Added Siegel: “We are proud to still be here through all the changes. We stayed true to ourselves. What The Manhattan Transfer does on stage brings so much joy, sharing music we love.”
Not only has the group’s career spanned the years, it’s also included a variety of genres, from pop and jazz to rock and roll and more. It’s hits include “Tuxedo Junction,” “Boy From New York City,” “Smile Again,” “Soul Food To Go,” “Spice Of Life,” “The Speak Up Mambo,” “Java Jive,” “Scotch And Soda” and “Trickle Trickle.”
The performances at the Kahilu promise two special evenings celebrating The Manhattan Transfer’s long and dazzling career highlighted by pitch-perfect vocals and impeccable style.
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