Smokey, Soul, and Summer Vibes

How Sweet it Truly Is – How Sweet It Is at Florida Studio Theatre!

If you’re anywhere near downtown Sarasota this summer, let this be your soundtrack: sweet harmonies, unforgettable melodies, and stories spun straight from the heart of Motown. How Sweet It Is, now lighting up the Florida Studio Theatre stage, isn’t just a concert—it’s a tribute, a celebration, and a masterclass in musical history. With the incomparable Luke McMaster leading the charge, audiences are treated to a deeply personal and passionately performed journey through the world of Smokey Robinson and Motown magic.

Luke McMaster is no stranger to the spotlight. A multi-talented performer, songwriter, and producer, McMaster rose to fame as part of the platinum-selling Canadian duo McMaster & James. But his soul has always belonged to Motown. His reverence for the genre reaches far beyond just admiration—it’s in his DNA. Over the years, McMaster has not only covered these timeless classics with finesse, but he’s also worked directly with the legends who created them.

One of those legends is none other than Lamont Dozier, part of the iconic Holland–Dozier–Holland songwriting team who crafted hits for The Supremes, The Four Tops, and Martha and the Vandellas. Their fingerprints are all over the soundtrack of a generation, and McMaster’s personal collaboration with Dozier was a passing of the torch. Together, they co-wrote several original songs that pay homage to the Motown spirit while breathing new life into its timeless themes. That rare connection—between history and today’s heartbeat—permeates every note of How Sweet It Is.

Sharing the stage with McMaster is Broadway powerhouse Miles Aubrey, best known for his role in Jersey Boys. Aubrey brings grit, charisma, and velvet vocals to the performance, effortlessly slipping between the roles of storyteller and showman. His renditions of Smokey’s greatest hits—like “The Tracks of My Tears” and “I Second That Emotion”—are heartfelt, rich, and layered with experience that only a seasoned performer could bring.

And rounding out the trio is Louis Tucci, whose presence is magnetic and voice unforgettable. Tucci complements the ensemble with harmonies that wrap around the melodies like silk, adding depth and energy to an already electrifying performance.

What makes How Sweet It Is truly unforgettable, however, isn’t just the voices or the music—it’s the storytelling. Between songs, McMaster shares behind-the-scenes moments from his collaborations, insights into Smokey Robinson’s artistry, and anecdotes that remind us why these songs have endured. It’s a heartfelt homage, not just to the music, but to the humanity behind it.

And all of this magic happens in the intimate setting of Florida Studio Theatre, where the connection between audience and performer is palpable. You’re not just watching a show—you’re in it. Every seat feels close, every note feels personal, and every smile shared from the stage is returned tenfold.

The show’s setlist is a dream for Motown lovers: “Ooo Baby Baby,” “You’ve Really Got a Hold on Me,” “Cruisin’,” and of course, “How Sweet It Is (To Be Loved by You).” But this isn’t karaoke—it’s artistry. The arrangements are fresh, the vocals are inspired, and the vibe is pure joy. Whether you’re hearing these songs for the hundredth time or the first, they feel just as relevant and moving as they did when they first hit the charts.

It’s no wonder the crowd leaves the theatre humming, swaying, and glowing with nostalgia and awe. In an era when live music can sometimes feel distant or overproduced, How Sweet It Is delivers something rare: authenticity, soul, and connection.

And speaking of rare, how often do you get to say you saw a show created by a man who co-wrote with Lamont Dozier and brought Motown to the modern day? McMaster’s journey from pop star to soulful storyteller is not only impressive—it’s inspiring.

This is not just a highlight of Florida Studio Theatre’s summer lineup; it’s a standout performance in Sarasota’s cultural calendar. A red-hot must-see that fits the heat of the season, How Sweet It Is is music history come to life.

So as the summer sun sets over the Gulf, and the palm trees sway in rhythm with the breeze, know that something extraordinary is happening onstage in Sarasota. It’s a celebration of love, loss, rhythm, and resilience. It’s a reminder of why we turn to music in the first place—to feel something deep, and to feel it together.

In a season already full of magic, How Sweet It Is sets the bar. Whether you’re a Motown enthusiast, a Broadway lover, or just someone who appreciates a night of exceptional entertainment, this show delivers—heart, soul, and harmony.

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Catch How Sweet It Is at Florida Studio Theatre this summer and rediscover the songs that shaped generations—performed by the voices that are shaping today.

For tickets and more information, visit floridastudiotheatre.org.