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Performances

Masters of Soul – Holiday Special

Time: December 20 @ 7:30 pm - 9:00 pm
Venue: Historic Academy Theatre
Cost: $15 – $57

Masters of Soul – a Motown Revue, has been called the most entertaining history lesson ever performed!  This show authentically reproduces the look, choreography, style and sound made famous by record labels that were relatively unknown at the time but went on to profoundly influence the history of popular music:  Motown Records, Stax and others. The performance goes beyond the music to preserve the integrity of the entire Motown experience.  For many, Masters of Soul is the ultimate stroll down memory lane. For younger generations, the show offers a way to experience a period in our country’s past that produced many of the greatest music acts ever recorded.

The show features a completely live performance with seasoned musicians and world-class performers from The TFC Band.  This group has toured extensively worldwide for more than 40 years, performing at private events, festivals, casinos, corporate events and military bases from coast to coast and overseas, including tours of Europe and Africa.  After having toured together for decades, The TFC Band created the Masters of Soul show in 2008 as a way to heighten the experience for their fans and deliver the full package—a stage show which captures the sights, sounds and feel of the Motown era.

Based in Virginia Beach, Virginia, the 10-person cast of Masters of Soul has performed to numerous sold-out audiences and garnered rave reviews across the country at venues ranging from community theaters and universities to performing arts venues and concert halls.

Member Bios

Daniel Hunter

Daniel’s a professional drummer born and raised in Hampton, VA .  He’s a father of 3 beautiful daughters and husband to his beautiful wife Donavia.  He’s been playing the drums for over 20 years and enjoys every moment and chance he gets to express my gift.  He started playing drums in church, not too long after that ventured into jazz, R&B and many other genres of music.

 

Travis Domino

“Trav,” a keyboardist extraordinaire, has played keys for many years. His recordings and arrangements can be seen throughout the industry. His love for music shows with the sounds of melodies and his creative musical attributes complement the show. When Travis is not traveling with Masters of Soul, he does studio work and also gives many Sunday worshippers a delight with soulful melodies of moving inspirational gospel music. He brings the sounds of an era he grew up enjoying. Trav also plays with the TFC Band and TFC Band & Show. He is a Hampton Roads resident and Masters of Soul considers themselves lucky to have Travis as a part of their family.

 

Dario Outlaw

One of Dario’s main high points in life is his love for music. Dario demonstrates on stage his talent and ability to connect with the audience. His energetic moves will keep the crowd amazed and entertained! He is the choreographer for Masters of Soul, TFC Band, and TFC Band & Show. His main focal point is the perfection of the product. Dario has been professionally performing his entire adult life. He joined the band’s Africa tour for five months. His performance has been compared to both Prince and Kiss. He is a life-long resident of the Tidewater area and very active in his local church. When he is not touring, he enjoys spending time with his family, especially his godson who just turned 11. Dario also produces gospel music.

 

Oscar Waters

Oscar, a seasoned performer, singer, and bassist with Masters of Soul, The TFC Band, and TFC Band & Show was born in a small town on the Eastern Shore of Maryland. He has worked and appeared with many national artists and various acts and legends. Oscars has been touring with Masters of Soul, The TFC Band, and TFC Band & Show for the past 18 years. He lives in Norfolk, VA with his wife and family. Oscard is active with his local church and enjoys lending his musical talents.

 

Dentro Ford

“Dent” began playing guitar at the age of nine. He graduated high school in 1974 and then started playing professionally during his studies at Lancaster College. During his professional career, Dent has played with The Playboys, The 25th Century Band, The Sounds of the Drifters, Powerplay, Sonny Turners Platter Group, TFC Band, and is now the lead guitarist of the Masters of Soul. Some of the highlights of his career include opening for Christopher Cross, The Zap Band, The Gap Band, and Brian McKnight, along with TFC Band and TFC Band & Show. Dent also toured in Africa for five months.

Ronald Smith

Ronald was born a twin and has resided in Norfolk his entire life. Ronald, lovingly known as “Smitty,” started singing with his twin brother at an early age. He also had been singing professionally his entire adult life with various bands, vocal groups, and recording artists. He retains the lead male vocal position and his impressive vocal range goes from a falsetto to second baritone. When he is not touring with Masters of Soul, The TFC Band, or TFC Band & Show, he loves to spend time with his wife and family. His favorite hobby and enjoyment is cooking and kid family time. Smitty also traveled in Africa for five months with the group.

 

John Hodges

John has been performing as a full-time professional musician his entire adult life. During his career, he has toured extensively across the US and overseas, including a recent five-month tour of Africa. John has acted as band leader of The TFC Band, TFC Band & Show, and Masters of Soul. Each group is one of the most successful private party and show bands in the country. When not touring with Masters of Soul, The TFC Band, and TFC Band & Show perform

 

Dane’ Wyler

Dane’ Wyler is a singer-songwriter, actress, dancer and media creator whose music and content have been heard around the world in independent films, on television networks and on independent radio stations.  Her acting has been featured in multiple plays, independent films and commercials, Her content has been viewed by millions across multiple digital platforms after spending her very early years performing locally and touring nationally as a background dancer. She is elated to be a part of the TFC Band and Masters of Soul Show.  Dane’ is happiest when utilizing her talents to pay tribute to the greats in soul music AND she loves stargazing on quiet evenings at home with her husband and son.

 

Deneen Brooks

Nicknamed “Lady D,” she is a native of Norfolk, VA and started singing at a young age in church. While she still enjoys singing in her local church, she also sings professionally with various groups. In addition to being a recorded gospel artist, she has performed in the governor’s mansion and toured in Africa with The TFC Band. When not touring with Masters of Soul, The TFC Band or TFC Band & Show, she loves spending time with her family and singing with her gospel group. She also enjoys staying active in her local church. Lady D will bring you to your feet as she performs a tribute to Gladys Knight’s “Neither One of Us.”

 

Joyce Bowers

Some voices inspire, some excite, while others simply leave you in awe. Singing before audiences since the tender age of five, Joyce got her early start in the church choir and subsequently with the family group The A-Z Trio. Soon after, she got her professional start with Frank Carballo and the Dukes of Rhythm. Joyce has been a featured performer with established local groups Happiness and also The Gentlemen and Their Lady. Throughout her career, Joyce has proven herself to be a serious solid live vocalist. Currently you may see Joyce with Master of Soul where she tributes Martha Reeves & The Vandelias, Thelma Houston, and Tina Turner.

 

On Sale Days/Times:

Academy Member Presale begins Monday, August 5, 2024. Remaining tickets will be released to the public on Friday, August 9, 2024. All sales begin at 10 AM EST.

Academy Members Level 5+ Pre-Sale: Monday, August 5, 2024
Academy Members Level 4+ Pre-Sale: Tuesday, August 6, 2024
Academy Members Level 3+ Pre-Sale: Wednesday, August 7, 2024
Academy Members Level 1+ Pre-Sale: Thursday, August 8, 2024
General Public On-Sale: Friday, August 9, 2024

Tickets:

Box Seat: $57*
Pit Seat: $48*
Premium Seat: $39*
Standard Seat: $29*
Value Seat: $20*
Obstructed Seat: $15*

*Plus taxes and fees

For more information or to purchase tickets to this performance, contact our Bank of the James Ticketing Office at (434) 846-8499.

Sponsored By:

 
National Endowment for the Arts

Know before you go:

Age Requirement

All patrons, regardless of age, must have a ticket for this event unless otherwise stated. All ages are welcome.

Camera Policy

Videography and audio recording during the performances are prohibited. Photography of the set on stage is allowed pre-show, post-show, and during intermission. But we do ask that you show our designers and visiting performers some love by crediting them (and by tagging us) in your social media posts.

Content Advisory

The Academy Center of the Arts offers a diverse selection of entertainment. Not all productions may appeal to or be appropriate for every guest or for all ages. Ticket buyers should take responsibility for making informed decisions regarding their purchases. We recommend visiting the official show website of each show you are coming to see at the Academy. If you ever have questions about the content or appropriateness of a show, please contact us at boxoffice@academycenter.org.

Doors Open

Unless otherwise noted, our lobby doors open 60 minutes prior to show time and house doors open 30 minutes prior to show time for seating.

Parking & Directions

Parking is available on-site and throughout downtown Lynchburg. Our parking map (linked below) shows all of the free public and paid parking available. In addition, street parking is also available on most streets.

View Parking & Directions Information

Ticketing Policies

Ticketing purchases are non-refundable. By purchasing a ticket to an event at The Academy Center of the Arts, you are agreeing to our ticketing policy. View our full ticketing policy.

Volunteer

Want to volunteer and see this show for free? Contact Mele Thompson, mthompson@academycenter.org, for more information.