The Motown Sound

Large outdoor concert with a crowd seated on the grass and in chairs, sun setting behind trees, stage with performers and a large screen displaying 'Congratulations'.
A woman with curly hair, large hoop earrings, wearing a colorful checkered crop top and pink high-waisted pants, singing into a microphone and raising her right hand with a joyful expression.
A woman singing into a microphone while dressed in a sparkly teal dress, and four men in tuxedos singing along beside her.

About

The Motown Sound is a musical revue that spans through the history of Motown from beginning to end by incorporating era appropriate costume, choreography, historical narrative, and visual animation.

The audience can expect to sing along to their favorite songs, learn the history of Motown, and experience an extraordinary tribute to Michigan’s finest musicians and artists.

What People Are Saying

  • The singers, musicians, costumes, and historical perspective were outstanding! I grew up in Detroit in the 60's and I was deeply touched by the whole experience.

    — Jim Childress, Audience Member

  • Our family had the BEST time! The entire show was amazing! If you are a lover of MOTOWN- you MUST see this show!

    — Carrie Anne Ledet, Audience Member

  • An absolute unforgettable experience.

    - Shelby Bernard, Audience Member

Group of 16 people posing outdoors for a photo, dressed in formal attire. The women are wearing light blue dresses and white gloves, while the men are in suits with bow ties. Green trees and foliage are in the background.

Meet The Directors

A woman smiling outdoors wearing a light blue dress with a bow at the waist, pearl necklace, and white polka dot gloves, in a park with trees and a pathway.

Sarena Rae

The founder of Music That Raised Us, creating educational musical tribute shows. Sarena is a vocalist, songwriter, recording artist, and performer. She recently opened for the iconic Chaka Khan in concert with her original music.

Founder | Producer | Artistic Director 
A smiling woman with gray dreadlocks in an updo, black sunglasses, dark lipstick, hoop earrings, wearing a black jacket with patterned shirt underneath, standing outdoors during daylight with trees and a sidewalk in the background.

Debra L. Perry

A Grammy nominated arranger and songwriter, Debra has composed and orchestrated full scale works for the Grand Rapids Symphony and West Shore Symphony. Her background as a music teacher of 26 plus years, makes her a true star.

Music Director
A woman smiling outdoors in a light blue dress with a pearl necklace, standing on a pathway with trees in the background.
Vocal and Performance Director

Avalon Cutts -Jones

A recording artist known for her vocal versatility, Avalon has traveled the world as a background vocalist for gospel artists Marvin Sapp and Bill Moss, has toured with the Alabama Gospel Choir and is a feature vocalist in the Grand Rapids Opera.

Get in Touch

Whether you have a question, comment, or want to book us, we’d love to hear from you.