The world-famous Temptations will perform with the Eastern Michigan University Marching Band “Pride of the Peninsula” during halftime of the October 12 football game against Miami University (Ohio).

EMU alumnus and Temptations member Jawan M. Jackson will return for this unforgettable performance

YPSILANTI, Mich., 19 August 2024 /PRNewswire/ — (EMUEagles.com) – East Michigan University is pleased to announce an unforgettable halftime show featuring world-renowned vocal group The Temptations performing alongside the EMU Marching Band. This special event will take place during the EMU football game against Miami University Saturday, October 12at Rynearson Stadium. EMU graduates and Detroit indigenous Jawan M. Jackson, who joined The Temptations in 2022, will return to his alma mater for this highly anticipated performance. The game time will be announced 12 days before kickoff.

“Hosting the Temptations in collaboration with students in the 130th anniversary season of the EMU Marching Band underscores the vision that we all share in the Eastern Michigan University: to provide student-centered, high-quality academic programs with significant community impact,” said J. Nick SmithAssistant Director of Bands and Director of Athletic Bands at Eastern. “This collaboration is a once-in-a-lifetime experience for our marching band students that will make waves in our Ypsilanti community and our 'Sister City.' Detroit. Detroitwas, of course, the place where the Temptations and many other iconic black artists began careers that would ultimately lead to the transformation of the music industry. We are excited to experience a piece of that history live October 12 at Rynearson Stadium.”

Individual tickets for the game and the unique halftime show are available now at EMUEagles.com/tickets or by calling the EMU Ticket Office at 734.487.3669. Tickets purchased in advance of game day are only $20. Group tickets (15 people or more) are available from $8 per person and are also available.

A limited number of experience packages are available, including a pre-game brunch with The Temptations. Interested companies and individuals should contact Dr. Nick Smith directly for further information ([email protected] or 734.487.4143).

The Temptations, an iconic American singing group from Detroithave shaped music history with their groundbreaking contributions to R&B and soul music. They emerged in the 1960s and rose to fame with Motown Records. They are celebrated for their distinctive harmonies, sophisticated choreography and stylish clothing. With a legacy of tens of millions of albums sold, The Temptations are one of the most successful groups in the history of pop music.

The group's collaboration with the producer Norman Whitfield led to a series of hits that defined the psychedelic soul genre, starting with “Cloud Nine” in October 1968. Over the decades, they have released four number-one singles on the Billboard Hot 100 and 14 number-one singles in R&B, and won four Grammy Awards, including the first Grammy ever for a Motown act. In recognition of their enduring influence, The Temptations were honored with the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award in 2013 and were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1989. Their classic songs “My Girl,” “Just My Imagination (Running Away with Me)” and “Papa Was a Rollin' Stone” are immortalized in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame's list of the 500 Songs that Shaped Rock and Roll.

The “Pride of the peninsula” is comprised of a diverse group of graduate and undergraduate students from a variety of disciplines across the University. The band is known for its spirit and pride and is dedicated to enriching the lives of its members and the wider community through engaging performances and a supportive, inclusive environment. Eastern is also celebrating its 175th anniversary with festivities throughout the academic year, with various events and an exclusive website showcasing the University's development.

Fans can also still secure season tickets for EMU's 2024 home schedule, which remain on sale for fans seeking the ultimate experience. These tickets offer perks like VIP seating and parking privileges. With options to suit every budget and taste, there's never been a better time to secure your seat and join the EMU community in cheering on the Eagles in 2024.

To Eastern Michigan University
Eastern was founded in 1849 and is the second oldest public university in Michigan. More than 13,000 students are currently pursuing bachelor's, master's, professional, doctoral and certificate degrees in the arts, sciences and professional fields. In total, more than 300 majors, minors and concentrations are offered in the university's schools of Arts and Science, Business, Education, Engineering and Technology, Health and Human Services, and the Graduate School. National publications regularly recognize EMU for its excellence, diversity, and commitment to applied education. For more information, visit the university's rankings and concentrations websites. For more information on Eastern Michigan Universityvisit the University website. To stay up to date with University news, activities and announcements, visit EMU Today.

To Eastern Michigan University athletics
Eastern Michigan University has been a member of the Mid-American Conference since 1971 and is one of the league's most successful members. The Division I program has 158 MAC team championships, more than any other team in the league during that time period. Eastern Michiganwhich has had a representative at every Summer Olympic Games since 1960, has won 15 national team championships and 55 individual national titles since 1932. For more information on Eastern Michigan Athletics, visit EMUEagles.com.

SOURCE Eastern Michigan University