News

October 23, 2009

IN CONCERT: Joe Nardone’s Doo Wop Volume One

WHEN/WHERE: 7:30 p.m. Friday at the F.M. Kirby Center for the Performing Arts

THE SHORT WORD: Five vocal groups brought back the sounds of the early days of rock ‘n’ roll Friday night at the Kirby Center. Jimmy Beaumont and The Skyliners, The Chiffons, Kenny Vance & The Planotones, The Duprees and local favorites The Paramounts recreated the doo-wop sound of the 1950s and 1960s with superb versions of timeless classics.

“It’s all about beautiful music and wonderful, wonderful memories,” said Tony Testa of The Duprees following his group’s first number. And that’s exactly what the packed house got for nearly three hours Friday.

THE HIGHLIGHTS: The Skyliners’ opening set was highlighted by a wonderful version of the group’s signature song “Since I Don’t Have You” and a great “Sherry,” sung in Frankie Valli-style falsetto by Nick Pociask, who normally sings the bass and baritone parts for the group. The Paramounts did a great a cappella rendition of “So Fine” and later kept the audience entertained during the intermission with five more classics. The Chiffons, featuring original lead singer Judy Craig, earned rousing ovations with “One Fine Day,” “Sweet Talkin’ Guy” and “He’s So Fine.” Vance & The Planotones did a splendid version of “Come Go With Me” and “Angel Baby.” Vance, an original member of Jay & The Americans, brought down the house with a spectacular performance of that group’s “Cara Mia.” The Duprees closed the show with its patented mixture of doo-wop and big band music, backed by a nine piece band complete with a four-piece horn section. Highlights of the closing set included “Have You Heard,” a swinging version of “Mack The Knife” and “Volare.” The group then finished with its biggest hit, 1962’s “You Belong To Me.”

FAST FACTS: The original members of The Chiffons, The Duprees and The Skyliners have all been inducted into the Vocal Group Hall of Fame. Kenny Vance was also inducted as part of Jay & The Americans in 2002. Vance was the music supervisor and soundtrack-album producer for the 1983 film “Eddie and the Cruisers,” and sang lead on two songs featured on the album. The Chiffons’ hit single “I Have A Boyfriend” was interrupted on Dallas, Texas radio station KLIF when news first broke of the assassination of President John F. Kennedy.

THE CROWD: According to a Kirby Center representative, Friday’s show attracted 1,510.

UP NEXT: Friday’s concert promoter Nardone has announced another doo-wop show planned for March 2010. Next show at the Kirby Center is Johnny Mathis on Sunday, Nov. 8.

-Brad Patton

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