If you missed a chance to see Columbia City Ballet’s premiere of their brand-new production Motown Ballet back in March of this year, you have another chance to check out a new Motown event at the Koger Center: “Onstage with Rod Foster and Company’s Motown Live” on November 10. This concert is the second of a newer series presented by the Koger Center, bridging the physical and metaphorical gaps between performers and their audience. The performance sees the return of Brittany Turnipseed to the Koger Center as well as Brandon Stevens. We talked to Rod Foster himself about the concert itself, the impact of Motown and the power of music altogether.
Jasper: How would you explain the Motown label/genre to those who have never heard Motown songs, or those who have heard them without knowing the name “Motown”?
Foster: Motown is the rhythm and blues that makes you want to dance and reminisce over your first broken heart or first kiss. It is the feeling of good times and good people. It's the melody and cry of a turning point in America. When you hear the downbeat, you know you are taking part in a special time in history and music.
Jasper: What was that “a-ha” moment that made you want to bring back a Motown event to the Koger Center?
Foster: The a-ha moment that made us want to bring back Motown to the Koger Center was the response from the audience. The people who attended the ballet told us how much they enjoyed the vocalist and the band and how they would love to come to hear it again. My philosophy is to give the people what they want.
Jasper: What sort of elements will you be incorporating from the ballet performance back in March of this year? Will dance still be a big component of the performance?
Foster: It will still highlight some of the dance numbers from the ballet, but the spotlight will focus more on our amazing vocalists: Brittany Turnipseed, Brandon Stevens and the Rod Foster and Company band. We will be able to stretch and really allow the songs to keep you grooving stronger and longer.
Jasper: Do you hope to continue any performances like this through the “Onstage with...” series in particular? Do you have any ideas for future performances?
Foster: I would love to continue doing performances like this in the future. I am still trying to think of what would be attractive, but maybe a tribute to a musical legend, group, or time. There are so many things that can be done. It would just take putting the great minds of ColaJazz, the Koger Center, and myself to create something that will be a good time for everyone.
Jasper: What brought Rod Foster and Company to fruition? How did everyone in the company meet and decide to create the group?
Foster: Me and the guys have been playing together for years before there was ever a name put to the band. Me and some of the guys in the band went to high school together. We already had a lot of chemistry and experience with each other and have been able to grow together as musicians. I have to say that what brought Rod Foster and Company to fruition was Chaye Alexander of Chayz Lounge. Long story short, a performer could not make it to Chayz Lounge to perform and she asked me to fill in and do a show. She had confidence in me that I could step out from the background, stand up front, and lead a band. She came up with it being called Rod Foster and Company to promote the show and it stuck. Luckily, we did well enough to continue doing shows and become the house band there. Even though I do not particularly love having my name up front, the opportunity to perform at the lounge was the start that got us here to perform in the Koger Center. I have been able to grow a lot while becoming a band leader.
Jasper: If there is one thing you want audiences to know or keep in mind for this performance, what would it be?
Foster: Come out to enjoy yourself and have a good time. We are honored to play for you. Thank you for listening.
General admission tickets are available to purchase at the Koger Center box office or For more information, check out the Koger Center or ColaJazz Foundation websites.