GALLOWAY, N.J. — This November 6, the Performing Arts Center hosted a momentous event for the performance of the eight-member R&B band, “We Are One Tribute X-Perience band,” lead by legendary drummer ELwarren “Spoon” Weatherspoon with lead vocalist Paul Bumbry. The venue was nearly sold out to host the event, and performed to tremendously positive reception.

We Are One X-Perience is a tribute band specially dedicated to the 1970s band Maze, which was headed by the legendary late singer-songwriter Frankie Beverly. Founded in 1970s Philadelphia, Beverly accrued a massive following as his band blended themes of R&B, soul, and funk into his songs, forging a characteristically eccentric yet stable style of songwriting. The band was popular nationwide, and accrued a huge following of dedicated fans, especially in the Philadelphia area.

We Are One Tribute Band emphasizes the upbeat tone and dons the same full-white uniform of the original Maze band. Alongside Weatherspoon and Bumbry, its band members include keyboardists Art Diggs and Monty Tillman, guitarist Tony Contee, bassist Walter Crosby, percussionist Ron Fowler, and conguero Jim Carney.

Many of the band members have been highly prolific in various soul, funk, and R&B circles. The band was originally founded by ELwarren Weatherspoon—the son of Fletcher Weatherspoon Jr.— founder of the American doo-wop band the Flamingos. After 30 years of the music industry working as a drummer, songwriter, and musical director, he leads We are One Tribute Band and helped recruit many of its members, including getting singer Paul Bumbry out of retirement. Weatherspoon, Contee, and Campbell are also former or current members of the significant English funk band, Heatwave.

The event had completely captivated the crowd full of long-time Frankie Beverly fans, opening with songs such as Back in Stride, Too Many Games, Before I Let Go, and Running Away. Countless members of the audience were standing up to clap to the rhythm, dance to the beat, or sing along to the melody. Several portions of the performance let the audience sing the lyrics of iconic Maze songs such as “Silky Soul” and “Joy and Pain.” Their keynote song, however, was “We Are One,” the namesake for their band, that acted as a “special dedication” to the tribute band from Mr. Frankie Beverly himself.

“Having fun, enjoying yourself… life can be hard, so we need a little break every now and then. And this is a break, right?” These powerful words from the bassist could not have more perfectly encapsulated the cathartic and spiritual vibrations of their dedication.

The band made sure to dedicate their performance to the late Frankie Beverly as well as his close associate, Marvin “Prince of Motown” Gaye, who also helped produce classics such as “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough” and “Let’s Get it On.”

“In memory of our inspiration,” the band members said in honor of the late Beverly.

Many fans expressed their appreciation for the faithful adaptation of the Frankie Beverly and Maze’s songs. It was clear that memories were running fast and high throughout the many audience members who recalled the memories of experiencing Maze when they were younger. We are One Tribute Band provided a beautiful callback to the soul and funk of an earlier time, and continue to tour around the Philadelphia area, singing a soulful requiem for an unforgettable music group.