‘Tie A Yellow Ribbon’ on the music of the ’70s

If you were trying to define the essence of the music of the 1970s, you might banter around terms like disco, funk, hard rock, soul, heavy metal, country rock, progressive rock, new wave, blues, pop and rhythm and blues and ... well, you get the idea.

Genres were changing, and innovation was the key. Singers and singer/songwriters like Barry Manilow, Elvis, Neil Diamond, Simon and Garfunkel, Carly Simon, Roberta Flack, Helen Reddy and Carole King were caught in the spotlight. To celebrate the seventies, the Connecticut Cabaret in Berlin invites you to “8 Track The Sounds of the ‘70s” weekends until Feb. 8.

Imagine a giant jukebox exploding with favorite tunes and ones you barely remember, all guaranteed to have you grooving with delight. Conceived by Rick Seeber, with musical arrangements by Michael Gribbon, musically directed by TJ Thompson, and produced and directed by Kris McMurray, sit back for a wonderful journey back in time.

With the musical talents of Emily Gray, Erica Whitfield,

Jayson Beaulieu and Dan Frye as your hosts, you will be gifted with dozens of hit tunes that showcase the era and renew your love for the times. Sunshine is the predominant weather forecast as this quartet dances with great choreography to tunes like “Best of My Love,” “Close To You,” “We’ve Only Just Begun,” “Everything is Beautiful,” “Just the Way You Are” “Afternoon Delight,” “You Light Up My Life,” “Killing Me Softly” and “Make It with You.” Love is the cure for whatever ails you.

A change of pace marks such songs as “Convoy,” “Desperado,” “50 Ways to Leave Your Lover,” “Brick House,” “Car Wash” and “Peace Train” while the power of the female sex is evident in “I Am Woman” where her voice roars.

Reserve your place now by ordering tickets ($35) by calling the CT Cabaret, 31-33 Webster Square Road, Berlin at 860-829-1248 or online at www.ctcabaret.com for shows Friday and Saturday nights at 8 p.m., with doors opening at 7:15 p.m. Remember to pack goodies to share at your table, or plan to buy desserts and drinks at the concession stand at the theater.

CT Cabaret Theatre / Contributed photo Emily Gray, Jayson Beaulieu, Erica Whitfield and Dan Frye appear in “8 Track Sounds of the 70s” at the Connecticut Cabaret Theatre.