The Duke Ellington Ballroom will look like the 1960s Apollo Theater tonight as students impersonators pay tribute to Diana Ross, Marvin Gaye and other Motown recording artists.

Doors to “Motown Live” open at 6:45 p.m. The show is sponsored by the National of Islam Student Association.

“This show will be something that NIU students will particularly enjoy,” said Tashaun Pitter, an NIU alumna.” Their friends will be the ones onstage performing great music.”

In past performances, themes included “The Wiz,” which is an African-American adaptation of “The Wizard of Oz,” and “School Daze,” a 1988 Spike Lee film. Pitter said this year’s show is a tribute to producer Barry Gordy and Motown and what they have done for the music industry. Cost is a $2 donation.

“The showcase is a refresher,” said NOISA president Margaret Mahdi.” We want to remind students how great an influence the Motown era was.”

Students will impersonate such pop artists as Aretha Franklin, Diana Ross and The Supremes, The Temptations and even a surprise guest. Performances will include brief histories of the individual artists involved in the Motown legacy.

“Without Marvin Gaye and Smokey Robinson, there wouldn’t be R. Kelly,” said Bryson Lenon, a sophomore engineering major. “Who doesn’t love their music? Who wasn’t affected by it? No one, I think.”

Mahdi said NOISA hosts one event like this every year to connect with a larger crowd. Students are excited about the experience.

“Beautiful music like this was meant to bring people together,” said James Macon, a communication graduate student.” We want to show our respect for those artists, the music and the time they represent.”

Not only will students mimic musical icons, but entertainment also will be provided by “up-and-coming NIU students.”

“We have singers, and a young lady will be tap dancing as well,” Mahdi said.

DeWanna Mason, a junior corporate communication major, said NOISA has gathered a wide assortment of student talent.

“Though I am not a member of NOISA, this is my second performance with them,” Mason said. “I enjoy working with sister Margaret. I have met a lot of new talented people.”