SPOTLIGHT TONIGHT: `SPOTLIGHTED' GROUP EXUDES GREAT TALENT

Matt Brandt, left, and Carter, both admittedly the comic relief of the group, do a hilarious rendition of "Soul Man," Blues Brothers' style.

Mike Dumey sings the male lead for the long-time band.

Ben Carter, 13, sings the Beatles' "I Wanna Hold Your Hand" during a recent performance of Spotlight Tonight.

The vocalists for Spotlight Tonight, from left, are Robyn Hosp, Mike Dumey and Cheryl Fortner.

The performance is full of comic performances, such as when Dumey sings "Secret Agent Man."

Dumey, left, and Cherly Fortner sing a love song, never missing a note.

Those looking for a relaxing evening of food and entertainment need to look no further than Spotlight Tonight. This area variety show features first-rate singing topped off with a great dinner.

The group is made up of vocalists Mike Dumey, Robyn Hosp, Cheryl Fortner and Vickie Long. Hosp and Fortner are from Jackson and the others call Cape their home.

Fortner also plays keyboards with Brett Yount. The group sings and performs a little bit of everything: oldies, pop, gospel, country and comedy skits. They do it all.

The group, who has been performing together for 20 years, sings with such an ease and familiarity that only comes with time. The combination of voices, which complement each other beautifully, create a powerful finished product.

In addition to these impressive skills, the band performs music from all walks of life, showing off the group's versatility. The group performs such hits as Mariah Carey and Boys II Men's "One Sweet Day." The group is versatile enough to do the Beatles' "I Wanna Hold your Hand."

The group's songs prompt participation leading to audience members singing and clapping along. Spotlight Tonight is more than a music group, they give a full range performance that involves both singing and acting. The show is guaranteed to bring a smile to the everyone's face.

Over the years the group has seen many changes. The group first formed in 1976 consisted of Dumey, Hosp and Fortner. Long and Yount later joined.

Some of the group's past names include Stardust and Center Stage. In 1985 they became Spotlight Tonight.

Another change the group has undergone is the addition of some young talent. Dumey, who is a music teacher at Louis J. Schultz School in Cape Girardeau, has recruited some of his current and former students to take part in the show.

Seventh-graders Matt Brandt and Ben Carter, ninth grader Elizabeth Hooker and eighth grader Jenny Goncher are singing waiters and waitresses for the dinner show.

"I have always wanted to utilize my talents," Dumey said, "to help students develop their own. The kids make sure everyone is having a wonderful time. Periodically, they will jump up on stage and do a song."

In addition to being extremely talented, the students are also extremely responsible, Dumey said. "They have to make sure everyone's water is full, and all the other responsibilities that come along with being a waiter. On top of all this they sing. They do an excellent job."

The student waiters, Brandt and Carter, said they like being involved with Spotlight Tonight because they get noticed.

"Our talents are displayed," Carter said, "and we really like getting involved. It's also a lot of fun. We will probably continue performing through high school, but not as much since we will be busier."

Spotlight Tonight credits its success to the closeness between the group's members. "I think it makes it special that we all have known each other forever," said Hosp. "We really love each other. We've all grown up together, so we are kind of a family.

"Performing is really fulfilling. We all have regular jobs and families, yet we still get together on the weekends to sing."

Dumey says the group has lasted so long because it is so enjoyable. "I can't think of any other people I'd rather perform with," he said. "We have so much fun and the audience really responds well. There is just something about performing that is so refreshing."

A lot of hard work goes into making the show, which includes 38 different songs. "We work really hard practicing before a run of shows," said Hosp. "Once they start we will continue to do brush-ups, but every show is different. We have certain songs that we sing during each show, but we are always adding new ones as they come out."

Spotlight Tonight plans to continue performing as long as they are still having fun and people enjoy coming to the show.

They are currently performing at the Bent Creek Clubhouse in Jackson on Fridays and Saturdays. Future dates include April 5, 6, 12, 13 and 26. The dinner show starts at 6 p.m. Tickets on Friday are $19.95, while tickets for Saturday are $21.95.

For reservations, call 651-1121.