In
2005, the Vic High R&B Band was invited to travel
and perform in Toronto, then to play at Northwestern
High School in Detroit. On a whim, Eric Emde sent Motown
legend Martha
Reeves an email invitation to see their performance.
To his surprise, she accepted. Martha was very impressed
with the way these talented west coast students grasped
Motown rhythm and blues, and with Eric Emde's music
program. She coached the students, and accompanied them
to Motown Historical Museum to stand where the unique
and timeless Motown sound had been created, and where
Martha Reeves and the Vandellas had recorded their hits.
But
that was not the end...
The
band invited Martha back to Victoria to give them a
workshop and join them for a performance at the Central
Bar and Grill. Then she was back for Victoria's Jazzfest
in 2006. Martha played Victoria's Royal Theatre, inviting
the Vic High R&B Band to play backup for her performance.
Together, they brought the house down.
Eric
and Martha continue to keep in contact, with the hope
and promise they will get together again in the future.
The Vic High Band and their remarkable relationship
with Martha Reeves has been documented up to and including
the concert by local filmaker, Barb Hager (Aarow Productions).
See
the trailer
here, and stay tuned for the release of this documentary
film on October 23, 2007 at 5:00 PT on Bravo!
