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Neutronz making return visit to Surprise

Pointer Sisters tribute singers to play Coyote Lakes in May

The West Valley will get the opportunity to revisit the feel-good soul-pop music of the ‘70s and ‘80s once again at Desert Moon Cupid’s May Anniversaries Celebrations, starring Pointer Sisters-tribute band The Neutronz.

Those who missed The Neutronz’s debut concert in Surprise last spring have another chance from 3 to 6 p.m. Friday, May 16 at Coyote Lakes Recreation Club, 18860 N. Coyote Lakes Parkway.

The Pointer Sisters exploded onto the scene in 1980 with their Billboard No. 3 song, “He’s So Shy.”

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Live Music

Neutronz making return visit to Surprise

Pointer Sisters tribute singers to play Coyote Lakes in May

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The West Valley will get the opportunity to revisit the feel-good soul-pop music of the ‘70s and ‘80s once again at Desert Moon Cupid’s May Anniversaries Celebrations, starring Pointer Sisters-tribute band The Neutronz.

Those who missed The Neutronz’s debut concert in Surprise last spring have another chance from 3 to 6 p.m. Friday, May 16 at Coyote Lakes Recreation Club, 18860 N. Coyote Lakes Parkway.

The Pointer Sisters exploded onto the scene in 1980 with their Billboard No. 3 song, “He’s So Shy.”

In the years that followed, the sister singers released other popular tunes like “I’m so Excited,” “Jump” and “Neutron Dance,” which was featured in the 1984 blockbuster movie, “Beverly Hills Cop.”

The sisters also frequently made guest appearances on popular TV series at the time like “The Love Boat.“

The Neutronz consists of Valley-area singers Raynell Armstrong, Gwendolyn Jones and Amber Dirks.

Aside from singing in the choir of her church, Armstrong adds mezzo soprano to the group, and surprisingly has never performed in a tribute band until last June.

Armstrong has been singing in her church since she was 5 and said she has always been eager to share her passion for singing to the world.

Responding to the group’s online ad for the need of singers last year, Armstrong was selected to be in the group based on raw talent and dedication to the music.

Through this journey, Armstrong said she realized that the experience has given her a chance to recognize the talents of the other vocalist as well.

“Appreciating each other’s gifts and creating long-lasting memories has been life-changing,” Armstrong said. “I want the audience to be inspired and uplifted through the lyrics and musical interpretation.”

Jones is currently the lead vocalist of local Arizona funk band Greasy Parcheesi Alliance. She has been performing in Arizona venues with the band for the past six years.

Now as a Neutronz singer, the seasoned performer adds alto and contralto to the band. She said being a Neutronz member is a great chance for developing different musical approaches.

“It has been great to learn new techniques and improve in areas which have expanded my growth in the style of music the Neutronz performs,” Jones said.

Dirks, another well-known veteran local singer, will be joining the ladies onstage for this event. As The Neutronz’s vocal coach, Dirks has previously performed with musical legends like Natalie Cole and Sister Sledge.

However, Dirk’s celebrity resume doesn’t phase the humbled performer from participating as the groups additional singer for the spring performance.

Giving the tribute act soprano, mezzo and contralto vocals, Dirks enjoys seeing audiences reminisce about memorable musical eras and seeing guests being uplifted through the notable melodies.

“Through our music, I aim to evoke a range of emotions in our listeners, from joy and excitement to introspection and nostalgia,“ Dirks said. “I want our audience to feel a sense of belonging and to experience the power of music as a unifying force that transcends individual differences.”

Doors will open for the concert at 3 p.m. for a social hour filled with pop soul hits of the ‘70s and ‘80s, provided by a live DJ.

The Neutronz will take to the stage at 4 p.m. to sing all the popular Pointer Sisters hits.

All white attire is preferred to honor all pop soul legends that have died over the years.

Tickets, which are on sale for $20, include appetizers, three cocktails per person and a chance to win a free prize at a raffle drawing.

Tickets can be purchased at eventbrite.com and searching “Neutronz.” They’re also available by calling show organizers Desert Moon Cupid at 602-784-4117.

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