THE MANHATTANS Featuring GERALD ALSTON

THE MANHATTANS featuring GERALD ALSTON bring an evening of classic soul and R&B to the Birchmere. Alston, whose voice became closely associated with the group, joined The Manhattans as a teenager and became their lead singer in 1970. The group’s best-known recordings include “Kiss and Say Goodbye,” which reached No. 1 on both the R&B and pop charts, and “Shining Star,” which earned them a Grammy in 1980.

The program also draws from The Manhattans’ extensive catalog, including “There’s No Me Without You,” “Wish That You Were Mine,” “Hurt,” “We Never Danced to a Love Song,” “Don’t Take Your Love From Me,” “I Kinda Miss You,” and “It Feels So Good to Be Loved So Bad.” Alston’s musical background began in church in Henderson, North Carolina, where he was raised in a gospel family. As a teenager, he performed with Gerald Alston & the New Imperials, also known as The Gospel Jubilee for church appearances, before being invited to join The Manhattans.

After leaving the group following 17 years, Alston pursued a solo career and recorded albums including *Gerald Alston*, *Open Invitation*, *Always in the Mood*, and *First Class Only*. He later reunited with Blue Lovett and The Manhattans for a 30th-anniversary performance and continues to perform the group’s soul repertoire.

When: November 28

Showtime: 7:30 pm

Tickets: $69.50; $88.15 through Ticketmaster; $76.50 at the Birchmere Box Office

Lineup: The Manhattans featuring Gerald Alston

Music: Classic soul and R&B, including songs from The Manhattans’ catalog

Venue: The Birchmere Music Hall, 3701 Mount Vernon Avenue, Alexandria, VA 22305

Box Office: Tickets are also available at the Birchmere Box Office on show nights from 5–9 pm.

Phone: 703-549-7500

Artist website: https://letsjustkissandsaygoodbye.com/