GARDINER — The Soul Sensations, featuring the Colwell Brothers,  return for a show at Johnson Hall Performing Arts Center, 280 Water St.,  at 7:30 p.m., on Saturday, Nov. 5.

Big local favorites, they play a powerful mix of robust music centered around classic rock and roll, bodacious renditions of the best soul music and blues, and a complete set of original tunes. The show is sponsored by Riverside Disposal and supported by A-Copi Imaging Systems and Russ Williams Fuel.

Tickets are $16; JH Member $13; student (to age 22) $6. Member special—bring a nonmember free. Johnson Hall can be reached for reservations at 582-7144, or [email protected] . Tickets are also available at the door. The website is www.johnsonhall.org.

Former Speaker of the Maine House of Representatives, Pat Colwell, (the nation’s only “Rock ‘N Roll Speaker”) paves the way with searing guitar leads from by-gone eras tastefully blended into contemporary versions of heart-wrenching soul music. His voice is reminiscent of the days of Muddy Waters, Wilson Pickett, and Wolfman Jack.

Studio wizard Bob Colwell, the other half of the legendary Colwell Brothers, rips it up with his electrifying keyboards and soulful vocals. Bob has worked with a Who’s Who of musicians including, BB King, The Band, Roseanne Cash, and his own bands: The Inspectors, Alter Igor, and The Boneheads.

Backup vocals come from sideman extraordinaire Dr. Dave Wakefield on saxophone and blues harp. “The Doctor” has played with the King Bees, Shack Bully, High Rider, and the late, great Bill Chinnock. The powerful rhythm section of Greg Lindholm on bass, and Mike Auger on drums lays down a groove that’s guaranteed to keep you on your feet. In addition they help out on the soaring three- and four-part vocal harmonies that defines The Soul Sensations’ signature style!

The band covers blues and rock and roll from Delbert McClinton, John Lee Hooker and the Fabulous Thunderbirds, to soul favorites by Aretha Franklin, Gladys Knight and ” new soul” divas Alicia Keyes and Duffy. Their numerous CDs also provide a wealth of original R&B music to their sets.