As promised yesterday, here is a review of Bowzer's Doo-Wop Concert, submitted by Forgotten Hits Reader Shelley Sweet-Tufano ...
Bowzer is very proud of the fact that his idea
of presenting a Doo Wop Concert at the Mohegan Sun in CT has endured for 14
years. Am I surprised? Yes, and No!
I guess I am surprised
that people ARE as smart as I think they should be when it comes to music
participation, BUT not surprised because (just as I just said) it totally makes
sense that the enjoyment of music lasts a lifetime.
I went, again, to his
concert with friends. We have done this for more than half of the 14 years, and
would have been attending longer, but we hadn't met yet. It was
cold, icy and my friends were stuck in accident traffic, causing us to miss the
first 1/2 hour. However, for the remainder of the three hours, we were there
soaking up the warm and fuzzy memories.
So below I give
you: MY MUSINGS
I was VERY little when I first listened to Doo
Wop and other 50s music. It brings back feelings of security and love that
surrounded my days and completed my nights. I was a stage dancer from age five,
and danced to these songs, enjoying every beat and harmony.
When we walked in, Peggy March was singing.
You know she was 15 when she first appeared on American Bandstand? But I tell
you, I have never had any trouble believing she would indeed 'follow him'.
Wherever he would go!
And The Capris? Are they named after the
Isle, or the stylish pants that are longer than pedal-pushers, but shorter than
a full length pant leg? I remember seeing female movie leads 'twisting' in
them, as well as Laura Petrie on the Dick Van Dyke Show. 'There's a Moon Out
Tonight' is for sure a romantic harmonic dialogue that even me, as a 5 year old,
could relate to.
When The Delfonics saunter out, my friend
says, "Look at him dance! What a great thing to watch!" For sure, one of their
back-up singers puts on a bouncy, almost break-dancing, show that out leagues
many younger singers.
Shirley Alston Reeves will always be known to
me for 'Soldier Boy', no matter how many other hits The Shirelles had. She is a
classy dressing, vibrant singer, reminding me of the dedication it took then, to
love and support our troops and in particular ... that special someone who left
with your heart.
The first half ends with Joel Siegel and his
Tokens singing 'Portrait of My Love' ... There could never be a portrait
of my love. For nobody
could paint a dream. How beautiful is that?! Did you know that when Joel's
granddaughter was 5 years old, her friends did not believe he was the voice on
'The Lion Sleeps Tonight'? She had to take him into kindergarten for show and
tell and make him sing the song in front of them. Never underestimate the force
of a five-year-old.
Phase two of the show hits hard with Bowzer
and The Stingrays. I have not been out walking much this winter, nor doing the
yoga and dance dvd's that I have to make sure I remain active BUT I did not
hesitate to jump up to twist, watusi, and fly with Bowzer! As I jumped up, a
friend just reached over to hold my purse, knowing I was ready to TWIST THE
NIGHT AWAY. A little Hand Jive while seated, gave my hands the rhythm work-out
they need to keep in shape.
'Under The Boardwalk', 'Up On The Roof', and
'This Magic Moment' came from Charlie Thomas and his Drifters. Smooooth, hips
swaying and synchronized; they always deliver style, eloquence and musicality.
The headliner
was Jay Black and, if you permit me to ONLY critique his music, I find it
startling in its strength and delivery. He was suffering from a windpipe
infection, and yet, 'Cara Mia' was exactly as you would have wanted to hear it
from your memories. His son Jason, even yelled, "Again!" over and over after
they finished. And Jay DID sing the opening again, refusing to re-sing the song
in its entirety. Charlie Thomas came out to give support during Jay's version
of 'This Magic Moment', which was truly a heartfelt attempt to aid a performer
with a medical handicap.
So Bowzer, I plan to attend the XVth show next
year. You announced Anthony and the Imperials and I'm sure some of my other
faves will again come back. Maybe even Kenny Vance will be ready.
Yes, memories
of a warm and fuzzy childhood. Thank you.
Shelley J
Sweet-Tufano
