By Janet Stoica

The article in the Worcester paper about a free tribute concert at Mechanics Hall in Worcester intrigued me. The concert would have two local singers on stage paying homage to perhaps the most successful and longest-lasting husband and wife singing duo to grace the Las Vegas stage, Steve Lawrence and Eydie Gorme.  I was in. Asking my 95-year-old sprightly Aunt Marie to join me was a no-brainer. How could anyone not enjoy the songs of the Eydie & Steve era?

This wife and husband team were mesmerizing in their heyday from the 1950’s to the 1980’s. Their easygoing banter on stage and obvious love for one another was a definite audience draw. Steve’s mellow tenor and Eydie’s soothing soprano, with an incredible range, were a match made in heaven. The couple were attractive, comedic, and carefree. They not only had their own TV show but also made many other TV appearances on The Ed Sullivan Show, The Mike Douglas Show, and the Merv Griffin Show. 

As mentioned, their songs were from the 1950’s - 1980’s when romantic ballads and upbeat relaxing songs were the norm. They refused to join the rock style and that decision turned out to be their success. The ballads and love songs of that era were always stylishly performed by Steve and Eydie and on Wednesday, Aug.16, in the acoustically perfect Mechanics Hall, Jim Rice and Valerie Roy gave it their best to entertain hundreds of concert goers who listened intently to their vocals. 

Mr. Rice and Ms. Roy, who are both from the Worcester area, regaled the crowd with an abundance of and signature songs from the book of Steve & Eydie. This Could be the Start of Something Big, Wouldn’t It Be Loverly, That’s What Friends Are For, The Two of Us along with a host of Broadway medleys (which lasted well over 10 minutes each without a break) to which my Aunt Marie exclaimed, “It’s amazing that they can sing that long! They’re just wonderful!” Her smile and enjoyment of the show was greatly rewarding to see.

The duo of Rice and Roy were truly delightful. Their backup accompaniment included a guitarist, bassist, drummer, two saxophonists who also played flute and clarinet, trumpeter, and a trombonist. Mr. Rice sat casually as he sang and played the shiny black grand piano on center stage while also directing the instrumentalists as Ms. Rice stood to the right of the piano at times strolling to the opposite side of the stage during her singing. The Mechanics Hall pipe organ served as the backdrop for the stage performance and the lighting was excellent.

Jim Rice’s warm, smooth, and mellow tenor was the highlight of the show. He never missed a note and his professionalism shone brightly. Sometimes a “free” performance leaves something to be desired but not this act.  Jim and Val were absolutely spellbinding. A very classy show. The presentation was partially sponsored by the Worcester Arts Council and ARPA (American Rescue Plan Act) Funding from the City of Worcester. A free will offering was also suggested.

Jim and Val can also be found entertaining in Boston as regulars at Club Café’s Napoleon Room, visit  thevalandjimshow.com  for more information.