Sitting in the Park Forever: Bob Abrahamian Memorial Record Hop - 26 Sep 2014

Bobs sister Jennifer has just passed on the news about a upcoming show that is being held in Bobs memory

Its taking place on Friday 26th Sept at a new club on the south side of Chicago, the event details from the website follow and the website link at the end will take you to further event info

Sitting in the Park Forever: Bob Abrahamian Memorial Record Hop

w/ Windy City Soul Club and appearances by Reggie Torian (The Impressions), Cliff Curry (The Notations), Doug Shorts (Master Plan, Inc), Keni Rightout (Center Stage), Hollee Thee Maxwell

When Chicago soul record collector/historian/archivist Bob Abrahamian died earlier this year he left behind perhaps the most complete collection of rare Chicago vocal R&B 45s and an invaluable archive of hu over a hundred interviews with unjustly obscure local artists recorded for his Sitting in the Park radio program (on WHPK) and made available on his sittinginthepark.com Website. Though record collecting can be a cutthroat field, Abrahamian was kind and moral in his pursuits, not only committing himself to sharing the music and stories of his heroes, but also befriending and helping out these retired musicians, generously offering them his time, money, and computer skills. Not surprisingly, when word came out that Abrahamian’s family needed to raise funds to archive, preserve, and digitize his collection, many of his colleagues and friends in the Chicago soul scene were anxious to lend their talents.

For this fundraiser Windy City Soul Club ( http://windycitysoulclub.com ), Chicago’s premiere rare soul, all-vinyl dance party deejay collective (whose monthly events at the Promontory’s sister club The Empty Bottle are always lively affairs) will make their first journey to Chicago’s South Side, the home of the music they spin.

In addition, many of the artists featured on Bob’s radio show will appear to share their memories and perform some of the songs that Bob loved playing on his show.

Reggie Torian began his recording group with the Enchanters, entertaining South Side audiences at the High Chaparral on Stony Island, until his fine falsetto earned him a 1972 invitation to replace Curtis Mayfield as the lead singer of the Impressions, a position Torian still holds today.

Cliff Curry formed the Notations in the 1960s, and their classic 1971 single “I’m Still Here” made them one of Chicago’s most beloved sweet harmony acts. Curry continues to tour the world with the group.

Doug Shorts recorded private stock soul singles with his group Master Plan, Inc. in the 1970s, which are now so rare they trade for $1000 each in eBay. He re-launched his career in 2012 with critically acclaimed soul/dance singles on the local Cherries label.

Keni Rightout recorded in the 70s as a member of Center Stage, whose singles were produced by local legend Donny Hathaway, before launching a solo career in the 80s on SalSoul records.

Holle Thee Maxwell proved herself to have one of the most distinct voices in Chicago soul when she recorded for Constellation, Star and Curtom in the mid-60s as Holly Maxwell. Thee Blonde Bombshell continues to enjoy international success as a blues and Northern Soul artist.

The Promontory is proud to host this event honoring a collector who called Hyde Park and the community radio station WHPK home, and who so thoroughly celebrated the South Side

Full event details can be had via this link...

http://promontorychicago.com/?event_id=5379215