Springfield Turnverein to host ‘Blast from the Past’ concert Date: 10/17/2014 FEEDING HILLS – From obscure songs to the top 40 oldies, Gary Jones and Tony Mitrook promise spinning tunes that will bring back fond memories.
“The songs that we will play are from a period when things were simpler,” Jones said during an interview with Reminder Publications. Jones is a co-founder of the New England Doo Wop Society.
Jones noted that the “thousands” of songs in his library will take one “down memory lane and relive a memory or two.”
Both men are excited about their new gig in November at the Springfield Turnverein. “Blast from the Past” entertainment nights are planned on Fridays, hosted by Jones, and on Saturdays, hosted by Mitrook.
The Springfield Turnverein is a German-American club, which was formed in 1855 in Springfield to promote physical fitness and to provide a family oriented location for social gatherings. The club was formerly located on Round Hill in the north end of Springfield, and in 1969, relocated to Agawam. In 2013, the club moved to its present site at 60 N. Westfield St.
“Tony and I were spinning oldies every Friday and Saturday in various locations and then took the summer off,” Jones said.
It wasn’t long after that both men “got the bug” once again to start spinning oldies.
“We approached management at the Springfield Turnverein regarding oldies nights on the weekends and they gave us the green light for November,” Jones said.
In addition to hearing music from the 50s, 60s and 70s, Jones noted that trivia and dance contests are planned for each outing with prizes including T-shirts, tickets to upcoming community events, and gift certificates.
“From time to time we will bring in a singing group or have a theme night such as a beach party or greaser night,” he added.
Jones said Mitrook makes the partnership complete.
“As long as I have known Tony, he was always into music,” Jones commented. “I give him credit for his vast knowledge of many different genres of music and artists.”
While Jones enjoys vocal group harmony and singers including Johnny Maestro and the Crests, Dion, and the Chantels, Mitrook is well versed in oldies, country, and the 50s through the 90s.
Persons stopping in to check out the action are also welcome to order from the club’s light-fare menu which ranges from appetizers of wings, fries, onion rings and mozzarella sticks to chicken tenders and bratwurst and sauerkraut. Salads and sandwiches are also offered as well as kitchen specials including chicken francaise, chicken parmesan, chicken marsala, baked scrod, shepherd’s pie, lasagna, pasta and meatballs, meatloaf and New York strip.
For more details on the evenings planned, contact Jones at 478-0901. There is no cover charge to visit the club. For more information, visit www.springfieldturnverein.com.
Jones encourages area residents to stop in and enjoy the tunes and dance the night away.
“There is a nice dance floor which I am sure will get plenty of use,” he said, adding, “The request line is always open.”
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