The sounds of the Motor City will be on display in Mount Airy as the area’s premier choral ensemble once again throws off its classical leanings, trading in suits and dresses for dancing shoes.

VOCE is set to pay tribute to Motown during its first concert of the season, which is scheduled for Oct. 20 at 7 p.m., at the Mount Airy High School auditorium.

Organizers say the success of last year’s inaugural Motown performance made it imperative to go for two in a row.

“Motown,” said VOCE spokesman Mark Gillespie. “The word alone generates a rich anthology of some of the greatest music and performances in history.”

Gillespie said the audience members for this performance should get ready to have their socks knocked off.

“The group adds its own spin when performing music so full of emotion, stories, heartbreak, and of course some of the best dance music every written,” he said. “(The performers) have definitely stepped out of their comfort zone and will present a side we have not seen before.”

For the third year in a row, Patti Miller Fulk is serving as artistic director of the group.

“Audience appeal and attendance has grown dramatically since (Fulk) came on board,” Gillespie said. “Her willingness to step outside the box and try something new and different is what has generated the increase in community support, and this concert is a great example of her creativity, talent and personality.”

International singing sensation and Mount Airy resident Melva Houston will be performing during the concert, in addition to recording artist Jon Hildreth, Gillespie said.

“(Houston) has performed with the likes of Isaac Hayes, Sam and Dave and The Platters,” he said. “She has traveled throughout Europe sharing her smoky jazz/blues voice with thousands of fans.”

Gillespie said Hildreth has been singing gospel, rhythm and blues and jazz since childhood.

“He travels extensively performing and amazing audiences with his talents,” he added of the 2000 graduate of North Surry High School.”

Gillespie said this concert is “not one to be missed.”

“Please join us for an evening of great music, voices and memories as we pay tribute to one of the great musical eras of our time,” he said.

Tickets for the event are $12, or $8 with student identification, and will be available at the door.

From The Mount Airy News

Keith Strange can be reached at 336-415-4698 or via Twitter @strangereporter.