On the electric night of January 27, Disco Stars Entertainment and Michelle Licata Entertainment proudly present “Gotta Love The 80’s” at The Parker in Ft. Lauderdale. Brace yourselves for a blast to the past as The Original Covergirls, the unstoppable Freedom Williams of C+C Music Factory, the sensational George Lamond, the iconic Noel, the dazzling Alisha, the rhythmic C-Bank, the dynamic Company B, the enchanting Nocera, and the vivacious Giggles take the stage.
Billboard award winning Lewis Martineé, the concert’s DJ, is a notable figure in the freestyle and dance-pop music genres. Martineé gained prominence in the late 1980s as the producer and songwriter for several freestyle music artists. His work with the girl group Exposé, producing their hit singles like “Come Go with Me” and “Point of No Return, played a pivotal role in establishing Exposé as a prominent force in the freestyle music scene. His impact on the genre has left a lasting legacy. Hosted by Charlie Rock, who wrote and produced freestyles mega hit “Dream Boy, Dream Girl,” recorded by ARTISTS Cynthia and Johnny. These musical luminaries collectively represent the crème de la crème of the 80’s Freestyle and Dance music genres.
We couldn’t help but ask them one burning question… “What magic do you have in store for the South Florida audience at “Gotta Love The 80’s “?
“We are thrilled to light up the stage with an electrifying performance, bringing our chart-topping hits to life in a dazzling showcase of music and glamour. We’re set to create an unforgettable experience, radiating joy for the South Florida LGBTQ+ community. Get ready for a night of pulsating energy, fierce vocals, and a glittering spectacle that will leave you dancing in the euphoria of the moment!”
Freedom Williams of C+C Music Factory, renowned for their chart-topping singles like “Gonna Make You Sweat (Everybody Dance Now),” “Things That Make You Go Hmmm,” and “Just A Touch Of Love,” C+C Music Factory has secured its place in music history. With an impressive collection of 35 music industry awards, including five Billboard Music Awards, five American Music Awards, and two MTV Video Music Awards, their impact resonates. In December 2016, Billboard magazine honored them by ranking C+C Music Factory as the 44th most successful dance artist of all time.
“South Florida, get ready to brace yourselves for an explosion of dance and rhythm as we revive our chart-toppers like “Gonna Make You Sweat (Everybody Dance Now)” and “Things That Make You Go Hmmm…”. Our performance is not just a show; it’s a journey through the very essence of our music. We’re here to make this night an unforgettable celebration of music and memories. Don’t miss out on the energy and excitement—we can’t wait to share the stage with you!”
George Lamond, an American singer in both the freestyle and salsa music genres, burst onto the scene with his debut single, “Bad of the Heart,” in 1989, swiftly establishing himself in the freestyle scene. The track, initially released on the indie label Ligosa Records, propelled Lamond into the limelight. Riding high on the success of “Bad of the Heart,” he inked a deal with Columbia Records/Sony Music, leading to the release of his eponymous debut album. This album spawned hits like “Without You,” “Look Into My Eyes,” and a memorable duet with Brenda K. Starr titled “No Matter What.” Showcasing his versatility as an artist, Lamond’s #1 salsa hit, “Que Te Vas,” became a testament to his musical range. Throughout the years, George Lamond has maintained his standing as a respected figure in both the freestyle and salsa genres, contributing significantly to the dynamic musical tapestry of the late ’80s and beyond.
“I’m thrilled to bring the vibes with hits like “Bad of the Heart” and “Que Te Vas.” Expect a performance that’s not just a concert but a celebration of the freestyle era. We’ll be taking it back to the ‘80s with a mix of freestyle and salsa beats, creating a night filled with energy, dance, and the timeless tunes that defined an era. It’s going to be a party, and I can’t wait to share it with all of you! See you there!”
Alisha, kicking off her musical journey with her debut single, “All Night Passion,” dropped in February 1984 and swiftly ignited the club scene, soaring to No. 4 on the Hot Dance Club Songs chart. This early success paved the way for Alisha to craft her self-titled debut album, unleashed in 1985 under Vanguard Records. The album featured more club anthems, including “Too Turned On,” which secured the No. 6 spot on Hot Dance charts in the U.S. Her breakthrough moment came with the mega-hit “Baby Talk,” ascending to No. 1 on the Hot Dance charts in December 1985.
“Hey South Florida! Get ready for a night of ”All Night Passion”, pure freestyle magic at the “GOTTA LOVE THE 80’s” concert with yours truly, Alisha. I’ll be bringing the heat with hits like my first single “All Night Passion”. The vibes won’t stop there – I’ll be singing my chart-toppers like “Too Turned On” and the mega-hit “Baby Talk,” which dominated the Hot Dance charts at No. 1 in December 1985. I’m thrilled to transport you back to the era of neon lights and pulsating beats. Anticipate a performance that’s a journey through the infectious rhythms that defined an era. Get ready to dance, reminisce, and relive the passion of the ’80s with me! See you there for a night of unforgettable musical memories!”
Noel, from the Bronx, New York City, this American freestyle music sensation rose to prominence with his debut single, “Silent Morning,” marking his inaugural entry into the Top 10 on the dance chart. Following this success, his second single, “Like a Child,” not only climbed on the pop charts but in 1988 also secured his first number-one spot on the dance chart.
“My performance embodies a musical expression through the physical form. Envision an evening marked by exuberant dancing, spontaneous movements, and an overwhelming sense of joy. My aim is not merely to entertain; rather, it is to wholeheartedly celebrate the art of performance.”
Company B, dropping in 1986, with their debut single “Fascinated”, quickly became the talk of Miami’s club scene before radiating to local radio stations. Thanks to the robust support from a major label (Atlantic Records), the track’s reach expanded far and wide. “Fascinated” not only dominated the U.S. Hot Dance Club Play chart, clinching the top spot, but also transcended into pop radio, securing a noteworthy position at number 21 on the Billboard Hot 100.
“South Florida, get ready for an electric night at the “GOTTA LOVE THE 80’s” concert! We promise to ignite the stage with our number one hit “Fascinated” and follow-up hits like “Full Circle”, “Perfect Love” and “Signed in Your Book of Love”. Brace yourselves for a trip down memory lane as we unleash a wave of nostalgia and dance-worthy beats. Our performance is a celebration of the vibrant musical culture that thrived in our own backyard. We aim to take you on a journey through the soundtrack of the ’80s that you know and love”.
C Bank, notable recording artists in the 80s and 90s, is associated with the freestyle music genre. C-Bank was actually a collaborative project created by the producers and songwriters John Robie and Raul Rodriguez. The music typically featured catchy electronic beats and was popular in the dance and club scene during that era. One of C-Bank’s well-known tracks is “One More Shot,” released in 1983, which gained popularity in the freestyle music circuit. The music often featured vocal contributions from various artists. While C-Bank might not be as individually recognized as some other artists, their work contributed to the vibrant and energetic landscape of the 80s and 90s music scene.
“Hey South Florida! Bringing you an unforgettable blast from the past at the “GOTTA LOVE THE 80’s” concert! When it comes to C-Bank, expect a performance that’s all about those infectious electronic beats and the freestyle vibe that defined the 80s. We’ll be bringing the energy with classics like “One More Shot,” It’s not just a concert; it’s a journey through the beats that made memories. See you at The Parker in January for a night of freestyle magic!”
Nocera, also recogized by the alias Lulu Nocera, is a Sicilian-American artist, celebrated as both a club DJ and a versatile singer spanning trip hop, pop, and freestyle genres. Her claim to fame rests on the vibrant freestyle scene, with standout hits like “Summertime Summertime” and “Let’s Go,” both resonating strongly in the musical landscape of 1986.
“I’m thrilled to bring the energy with hits like “Summertime Summertime” and “Let’s Go.” Expect a fusion of trip hop, pop, and the vibrant beats of freestyle. My journey from Sicily to the U.S. adds a unique flavor to the performance. We’re talking about reliving those chart-topping moments from the ‘80s as we take a trip down memory lane. So, mark January 27 on your calendar because it’s going to be a night filled with nostalgia, infectious rhythms, and the unmistakable sound of freestyle. See you at The Parker for an unforgettable musical rendezvous!”
Giggles, a freestyle and dance-pop luminary in the late 1980s and early 1990s, is best known for her hit singles “Love Letter” and “What Goes Around, Comes Around”released in 1987, left an indelible mark on the freestyle music scene. Not only did her music feature catchy hooks and vibrant rhythms emblematic of the era, but it also created a significant impact in the genre. While MarLa may not have been the original recording artist, Giggles beautifully continues the legacy of these tunes, adding her own gentle touch to the brand. “Love Letter” remains a timeless classic, and Giggles is fondly remembered for her enduring contribution to the vibrant musical tapestry of the late ’80s.
“When it comes to my performance, expect nothing but infectious beats and the electrifying energy that defines freestyle. We’re going to take it back with the classic “Love Letter” and more, creating a night filled with nostalgia, dance, and the timeless sound of the ‘80s. So, mark your calendars, because I Can’t wait to share the stage with you all at The Parker!”
