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Shades of Blue to headline rock ‘n’ roll revival show

Date: 10/3/2013

By Lori Szepelak

lori@thereminder.com

SPRINGFIELD – The Shades of Blue from Detroit will headline a Oct. 25 rock ‘n’ roll revival show, hosted by the New England Doo Wop Society.

“This group is high energy and will produce some of Motown’s top hits as well as performing some great doo wop with their smooth harmonies,” Gary Jones, co-founder of the Doo Wop Society, said during an interview with Reminder Publications.

The Shades of Blue are best known for their Billboard hit “Oh Happy Day,” according to Jones.

The opening act for the evening affair at the Cedars Banquet Hall on Island Pond Road is Reminisce from Providence, R.I.

“Their sensational vocal and snazzy outfits will surely be a real crowd pleaser,” Jones said.

Each Doo Wop Society show features an a cappella group and the Vic Donna Group from Brooklyn, N.Y., will be the featured act.

“The group consists of five guys who are all veterans of street corner harmony,” Jones said. “They are very much in demand and will certainly please our audience with amazing vocals and dynamic stage presence.”

Jones noted that the evening will also feature Leslie Anderson, lead singer of “the Dubs,” and Springfield’s own “Carvels,” who will perform together for the first time in 20 years.

“The Carvels will do a couple of a cappella tunes to get the crowd warmed up,” he said.

Jones and co-founder Bob Belniak are proud of the shows they put together and note they are selective in who they hire.

“Although there are many fine tribute shows in the area, we are not a tribute show,” said Jones. “We always have at least one original recording member of our headlining act, so when you attend a show you are not only being entertained but you are also seeing a part of history in the music world.”

Jones added that what sets the Doo Wop Society’s shows apart is both he and Belniak take their role “very seriously” and do their homework as far as who they will put on a show.

“We pride ourselves on the groups that we bring in,” Jones said. “Our audiences prove that time and time again.”

The evening begins with an optional buffet priced at $15 per person at 6:15 p.m. The menu includes penne with marinara sauce and meatballs, chicken parmesan, sausage, peppers and onions, salad, rolls and butter and dessert.

Tickets for the show only are $35 per person. Showtime starts at 7:30.

As Jones and Belniak put the finishing touches on their latest endeavor, they hope that area residents who have a love for doo wop come out to see the show.

“The love of the music, whether it be a cappella or with music, it’s the group harmony that is the driving force behind what we do,” Jones said. “We get to know the recording artists on a personal level which is always rewarding. With this being our thirtieth show coming up, we can honestly say neither we nor the audience has ever been disappointed.”

Jones added that following the show, performers welcome the opportunity to meet the audience, pose for pictures and sign autographs.

For tickets or more information contact Jones at 478-0901, Belniak at 786-1929, or visit www.newenglanddoowopsociety.org.