SHOWCASE ENTERTAINS WITH THE `BLUES'

The Impressions, one of the groups that innovated and pioneered soul music, will be the featured entertainment at this year's Southeast Showcase, planned for Nov. 21.

The theme, "Motown It's All Right," centers around the romance and adventure of the automobile. The grand prize drawing is for a three-day, two-night trip to Detriot.

The showcase is a fund-raiser for Southeast Missouri Hospital and features a sampling of the best of Cape Girardeau restaurants and entertainment.

J. Charles Stotz, director of development for the hospital foundation, said: "While Southeast Showcase spotlights our area's fine food and beverage vendors as well as area businesses that assist with event sponsorship, it also showcases the community spirit our area demonstrates toward the support of advances in health care."

The Impressions gained notoriety in the 1960s with their rock 'n' roll and blues music. The group got it's start on Chicago's north side with their landmark record "For Your Precious Love."

In 1961 the group, comprised of Fred Cash, Sam Gooden and Curtis Mayfield, hit again with "Gypsy Woman." They hit their stride with chart toppers like "It's All Right," "Amen," "Talking About My Baby" and "People Get Ready."

In all, they generated 16 top 20 rhythm and blues hits and placed six albums on the top 10 R&B chart.

They were inducted into the Rock 'n' Roll Hall of Fame along with The Byrds, John Lee Hooker, Wilson Pickett and Ike and Tina Turner.

Today, The Impressions consist of Cash, Gooden, Ralph Johnson and Smoky Hampton. They continue to tour the United States, Canada and abroad.

Gooden, the group's lead singer and an original member of the group, says people ask him why he hasn't tried his luck with a solo career.

"I've always said that this group is so much a part of me that I could never leave The Impressions," he said. "I'll always be an Impression until the good Lord takes me home."

Coming from a musical family, Gooden developed a love for singing as a child, singing solos in church. He was childhood friend with Cash, and the two would often harmonize on street corners with other friends.

Gooden said his older brother, who died in 1957, had a big influence on his musical career.

He always urged Sam to "keep on trying until you make it."

Although the group has experienced tremendous success in the past, Gooden insists the present is just as exciting.

"I wouldn't miss it for the world," he said. "This is the high in my performing career."

The showcase is hosted by the Southeast Missouri Hospital Foundation and presented by Ford Groves. It will be held at the Show Me Center.

Tickets may be ordered by calling the foundation office at 651-5510. A $30 ticket entitles a guest to sample the food and beverage booth offerings from 6-9 p.m. and enjoy beverages and light snacks and musical entertainment from 6-11 p.m.

Last year's showcase raised $25,000 for patient care developments at the hospital.

In connection with the showcase, Mrs. Missouri, Melody Hutson of Cape Girardeau, and Miss Teen Missouri, Audra Sherman of Sikeston, will be at West Park Mall Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Restaurants included in the showcase are Broussards, Cedar Street, Dominos Pizza, H.R.H. Dumplin's, Marriott Food & Service Management, Pagliai's Pizza, Pete's Pumps & Deli, Port Cape Girardeau, Robert's Restaurant, Servicemaster Food Management, Tantrum's Pub and Grill, The Pasta House Company, Tric's Family Restaurant, Victoria's/Holiday Inn, Mr. B's Waffles and Deli, Burger King, Jeremiah's Restaurant, Mollie's and Witz Restaurant.

Deserts and snacks will be available at booths sponsored by Eagle Snacks, Margie's Pie and Cake Factory, My Daddy's Cheesecake, the Sweet Stop Bakery and TCBY Yogurt.

Beverage vendors include Bluff City Beer, Coca-Cola, Culligan Water, David Sherman Corporation, Kohlfeld Distributing, Kohlfeld Beverage Co., River Eagle Distributing, Ronnoco Coffee Company and Schaefer Water Center.

Other corporate sponsors are CyberTel, AmeriFirst Bank, Boatmen's Bank, Capital Bank, Exchange Bank of Cape girardeau and Jackson, Mercantile Bank and KGMO/KAPE.