The Marvin Gaye Experience Comes to OCC

by Joanna Bruno

Ocean County College's Grunin Center presents the interactive show "What's Going On: The Marvin Gaye Experience" on March 29.

Brian Owens is making a name for himself as the new voice of American soul and is also referred to as "the second coming of Marvin Gaye." The singer draws inspiration from other artists in his performances as well, such as Sam Cooke and Curtis Mayfield. Owens has dazzled audiences, one including former First Lady Michelle Obama, with his soulful and passionate performances. His style comes from combining the classic sound of soul music and giving it a slight modern touch.

Owens' show pays tribute to the legendary musician through renditions of his hit songs. "He's an American treasure. This show puts a spotlight on he genius of Marvin Gaye as a social artist and his ability to capture that late '50s to early '70s social construct," Owens said in an interview. Gaye's "What's Going On" album features songs reflecting on the social climate of the time, including war, anger, violence and injustice. This album strikes a chord with Owens, who was raised in Ferguson, Missouri, and was inspired by Gaye and recent events to celebrate life and love through Gaye's music.

Tickets are available online at grunincenter.org, or at the Grunin Center Box Office. A pre-show dinner package is available for $60 that includes seating and a dinner before the show, catered by Caneda's. Other prices vary depending on seating. Those with the dinner package can arrive at 6 p.m. and the show begins at 7:30 p.m. Doors open at 7 p.m.

Original article scanned here.