SHELDON Dryden was not born when a fledgling Rhythm and Blues group from New York City named Atlantic Starr first hit the charts in 1981 with the dance number, When Love Calls.

However, the 31-year-old show promoter grew up hearing their songs on radio and through his older sisters who were big fans of the group.

Dryden is a member of R&B Reggae Promotions, organisers of the December 27 show at the LIME Golf Academy in Kingston. Atlantic Starr are headliners, supported by reggae stalwarts Derrick Harriott, Ken Boothe and Cocoa Tea.

R&B Reggae Promotions’ first concert took place in March at Jamaica College, and featured soul great Percy Sledge and John Holt. Dryden told the Sunday Observer that the company is keen to tap into the mature show audience.

“Apart from the (Jamaica) Jazz and Blues, there are not a lot of shows geared to that market in Jamaica. We’re trying to bridge that gap,” he said.

He and his partners are looking to pull crowds with acts like Sledge and Atlantic Starr, who had a number of hits during the 1960s and 1980s, respectively.

“It makes sense to bring these artistes here. Many people in Jamaica grew up on their songs and relate to them,” Dryden said.

When Love Calls announced Atlantic Starr’s hit run 33 years ago on the Billboard R&B chart. In the mid and late 1980s, they had even greater success with ballads like Secret Lovers, Masterpiece and Always.

The group’s current lineup includes original members, brothers Wayne and Jonathan Lewis, along with L’Jon Epps and Melissa Pierce.

Noddy Virtue, Nikiesha Barnes, Jodian Pantry, this year’s Rising Stars winner, T-Rizzy, Breezy McKenley and Roc Riva are also part of the December 27 show. All will be backed by Lloyd Parks and We the People Band.