Del-Vikings to headline doowop show
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By Lori O'Brien-Szapelak
Correspondent
CHICOPEE The legendary Del-Vikings will headline a doowop show later this month that promises to be a win-win situation for area residents.
The show, billed as "Rock 'n Roll Revival Volume 12" at the Castle of Knights on Oct. 26, has been carefully orchestrated to ensure all who attend have a great time, according to Gary Jones of Agawam, founder of the New England Doowop Society.
"This is a win-win situation for all who attend," said Jones during an interview with Reminder Publications. "You get great entertainment from national acts and a chance to help out a great cause."
Kevin Noonan, executive director of Open Pantry Community Services, Inc. of Springfield, and his staff will be on hand to accept nonperishable canned goods from those attending the event.
"Please bring a nonperishable canned good or two so that we may help the Open Pantry in their time of need," said Jones.
Noonan noted in an interview that Jones and the doowop society have participated in fundraising and canned good drives for his organization in the past, and he is "delighted" they have taken such an interest again this fall.
"Our shelves are sparsely filled so we are extremely grateful to Gary Jones and Bob Belniak and the New England Doowop Society and the Castle of Knights for their thoughtfulness and compassion," said Noonan. "Cold weather and the holidays are quickly approaching and folks in our community really appreciate the help they receive from the programs offered by Open Pantry. Events like the Rock 'n Roll Revival make these important programs possible."
In 2006, Noonan said the Emergency Food Pantry provided enough nonperishable food to feed more than 27,690 individuals, nearly half of whom were children. Canned goods that are always in demand include tuna fish, rice, dried beans, stews, dried milk, macaroni and cheese, spaghetti sauce, pasta, soups, jellies, canned fruit and canned vegetables.
The rock 'n roll show opens with the Greenfield-based group Shakin All Over at 8 p.m.
"We chose Shakin All Over to open because of their ability to get the crowd up dancing and their endless energy while doing so," said Jones. "They are a much sought after group and we are very glad to have them."
Jones also booked Champagne, an a cappella group from Long Island, N.Y., who will follow Shakin All Over.
"It is hard to attend a good doowop show in New York or New Jersey without seeing Champagne on the bill," he said. "I would put Champagne up against any of the veteran groups who are performing today."
The Del-Vikings were chosen as the headliners for the show because of their major influence during the rock 'n roll era, according to Jones.
"The group's biggest hits have retained their popularity as notable oldies, including 'Come Go With Me' that has been used in films including 'American Graffiti,' 'The Hollywood Knights' and 'Stand By Me,'" said Jones. "Not only are they a great bunch of guys, but their harmonies are impeccable."
Jones added that the Del-Vikings will be available for photos and autographs after the show.
"Persons attending the event who have their records are welcome to meet them and have their records signed," Jones said.
Jones noted that ticket sales have been brisk and all tickets are reserved seating. Tickets are $25 for the show or $37 for the show and buffet that starts at 6:30. Buffet items will include mixed vegetables, vegetable lasagna, New England pot roast, mashed potatoes, chicken pot pie and a dessert. Tickets will also be available at the door.
For more information, call Jones at 478-0901, Belniak at 786-1929, or the Castle of Knights at 532-2000.
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