Doo Wop show to feature Rock 'n' Roll Hall of Famers
Date: 5/30/2012
May 30, 2012 By Lori Szepelak
lori@thereminder.comSPRINGFIELD — Rock 'n' Roll Hall of Famers Willie Winfield and the Harptones will headline the New England Doo Wop Society's June 9 show.
Bob Belniak and Gary Jones, co-founders of the Doo Wop Society, noted in an interview with
Reminder Publications that they both have "admired" the Harptones for years.
"The Harptones were a major influence on many groups," Jones said. "To this day their smooth harmonies will captivate any audience regardless of age."
Also sharing the stage will be Desire, a New York/New Jersey doo wop a cappella group, and The Corvettes.
"As in the past we pride ourselves on bringing in the very best groups available and Desire is no exception," Jones said. "Their vocals are second to none. They are very polished and extremely talented and a pleasure to watch and listen to."
Jones added The Corvettes are "one of the most spirited bands you will ever see or hear. It's like watching Sha Na Na all over again."
What sets the society's shows apart from similar venues in the area, according to Jones, is its ability to bring in the "heavy hitters" — headliners who have had hit records.
"Our shows are very entertaining, fun and nostalgic," Jones said.
Additionally, entertainers are available for pictures and autographs after the show.
"We have people from all over New England at our shows," Jones said. "Bob and I both enjoy meeting new people at the shows and most of all we enjoy what we do."
The rock 'n' roll revival show will be staged at the Cedars Banquet Hall, 375 Island Pond Road. The evening begins with an optional buffet at 6:15 p.m., followed by the show at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $30 for the show with an optional buffet for an additional $15, catered by Joe Prattico of First Choice Caterers.
For tickets and more information, contact Jones at 478-0901 or Belniak at 786-1929, or visit the society's website at
www.newenglanddoowopsociety.org.
For area residents who wish to "dance all night," Jones promised "great musicians with great vocals and nonstop energy" this summer at the Cedars.
