Columbia Gears Up for Special Musical Tribute to Frankie Beverly
Get ready, Columbia! On November 22, the Township Auditorium is set to resonate with the soulful sounds of TMF, formerly known as Maze, as they take center stage to pay homage to the beloved Frankie Beverly. It’s going to be a night filled with nostalgia, rhythm, and, of course, some amazing tunes that have defined generations.
What’s Happening in the Weather?
Before we get into the juicy details about the concert, let’s talk about the weather. It looks like we might be in for a wet evening! Expect cloudy skies with a chance of light rain, so grab your umbrella just in case. The forecast indicates a high of 68°F during the day, dipping to 59°F by night with about a quarter of an inch of rainfall expected. With a 70% chance of rain in the afternoon, and 60% later at night, it sounds like the perfect ambiance for some soulful music!
Meet TMF: The New Wave of Maze
Now, back to the music! While you might think TMF is a tribute band, you’d be mistaken. This sextet is comprised of seasoned musicians who have poured their hearts and souls into recreating the magic of Maze. When the legend Frankie Beverly passed away earlier this year at the age of 77, many fans wondered if the iconic R&B group could carry on. But just like their smooth grooves, they found a way to adapt and thrive.
Among the powerhouse of talent in TMF is Roam Lowry, the band’s percussionist, who has been with Maze for an incredible 55 years. Lowry expresses his excitement for this new chapter, saying, “The one thing I love doing most is performing.” And he certainly continues to do just that with TMF. With a strong core of talented musicians from the original band, including keyboardist Vance Taylor and bass player Bear Williams, the original spirit of Maze is very much alive.
Stepping Up: Chris Walker
One of the most interesting features of this performance is the new voice of TMF, Chris Walker. This man is no stranger to talent; having collaborated with icons like Al Jarreau and Ornette Coleman, he’s got some serious chops. Walker reflects on his journey to join TMF, sharing that his first encounter with Frankie Beverly was when he was just a young man of 19. He stated, “For me to be in this position to honor him in such an incredible manner, it’s not easy, but I welcome the challenge.” And challenge it certainly is, but Walker approaches this with both excitement and respect for the legacy he’s stepping into.
New Tunes and Old Classics
Those lucky enough to attend the show can anticipate not only the classic Maze hits like “Before I Let Go” and “Joy & Pain,” but also some new music! TMF recently released their debut album, The Music First, Vol. 1, and early singles, such as “Let Me Love You,” have already connected with audiences. Roam described the recording sessions as magical, full of camaraderie and brotherhood. “It feels like it was predestined to happen,” Walker chimed in, capturing the essence of what it’s like to create music with this legendary group.
A Night to Remember
As the concert approaches, excitement is building in Columbia. TMF will be bringing the spirit of Maze alive once again, and Roam is filled with emotion, saying, “He was my best friend. We’re going to continue to share his legacy and his love.” The concert promises to be a heartfelt celebration that will make you dance, reflect, and honor the incredible contributions of Frankie Beverly.
The evening kicks off at 8 p.m. with tickets ranging from $69 to $150. For more information and to grab your tickets, head over to thetownship.org. It’s bound to be a night of music and memories you won’t want to miss!
