UPDATE: March 27 FOOD TRUCKS OPEN AT 6PM Tacos … Sliders .. Salads Seating Available on the Shady Side of the Building We look forward to seeing you tonight at the Arcadia Performing Arts Center for the Big Bad Voodoo Daddy concert!
We invite you to enjoy dinner before the show. The food trucks listed below will be serving a delicious array of salads, sliders, sandwiches, tacos and burritos with seating on the shady side of the building starting at 6pm.
The theater doors open at 7pm; the Meet & Greet is at 7:15 (a few spaces left. Only $25 to have your picture taken with these infamous performers!) The Concert begins promptly at 8pm. There is no opening act. Also, as this facility is located on the campus of Arcadia High School, no alcohol will be served.
For additional dining options, there is a wonderful array of dining opportunities at the Westfield Santa Anita Mall and on Restaurant Row in in East Arcadia on Huntington Drive. For ideas to help you plan your evening go to Visit Arcadia.
PARKING $10 VIP Parking in lot at Campus/El Monte (limited availability) $5 Parking in lot at Duarte/El Monte Free parking is readily available on the streets surrounding the high school campus on Campus Dr, El Monte Ave, and Duarte Rd.
We look forward to seeing you tomorrow night. It’s going to be a wonderful show! Food Trucks Serve From 6pm to 7:30pm
Seating Available
The Arcadia Performing Arts Center gets into the swing of things with Big Voodoo Daddy on Friday, March 27). Get your tickets at www.Arcadiapaf.org. For information please call 626-821-1781. VIP Meet and Greets for each concert are also available for purchase. Buy here.
Doors open at 7 p.m; concert begins promptly at 8pm. There is no opening act. Limited VIP Parking is available for $5 in the parking lot adjacent to the PAC at Campus Drive and El Monte. Free parking is available in the parking lot off of El Monte Ave. near Duarte Rd. Additional free parking is available on the streets surrounding the theater.
Big Bad Voodoo Daddy
2014 marks the 21st Anniversary of Big Bad Voodoo Daddy’s remarkable arrival onto the music scene. In it’s first years, having secured their legendary residency at the Derby nightclub in Los Angeles, they reminded the world—in the middle of the grunge era, no less—that it was still cool to swing, big band style. Today the high-energy nine-piece ensemble continues the party and takes things to the next level with the release of “Rattle Them Bones”. The follow-up to the much lauded 2009 release, “How Big Can You Get?: The Music of Cab Calloway”, “Rattle Them Bones” still urges their millions of fans worldwide to shake and move to their inimitable grooves while also expanding their with new musical inspiration and influence.
While by design the musical focus of that session was Calloway’s heyday of the 30s and 40s, “Rattle Them Bones” is a more expansive, ultimately liberating work that began with Big Bad Voodoo Daddy’s singer and chief songwriter drawing from some unexpected cultural wells.
Leader Scotty Morris said, “The goal with every album is to take the listener on a unique journey and the process this time involved choosing from my originals and a handful of covers we thought would fit the spirit of where the project seemed headed. Often as we start making sense of the material, the record tells us what it’s going to be, and it was clear this time that we weren’t going be limited to a single decade or vibe. We feel like we left Cab and started thinking about Don Draper and Mark Twain and along the way some fascinating ideas emerged that turned ‘Rattle Them Bones’ into a real celebration of the landscape of American music we love so much.”
“After all these years,” Morris says, “I still enjoy writing in a vintage style. I’m always looking for ways to challenge myself as a writer, so for this record I wanted to do something I had never done before and that was to write a duet.” Not only was Morris able to rise to the challenge, but “It Only Took A Kiss” is one of the album’s real standouts. With its irresistible charm and timeless bounce it’s hard to believe it’s not an 80 year-old standard. “We were looking for the classic, simple yet timeless kind of love song that Gershwin did so well. So influence from this particular era is foundational, but on the new album, the tune falls right in the middle of a grand sweep of musical Americana.”
By now the world knows the essential story of Big Bad Voodoo Daddy—the band co-founded by Morris and drummer Kurt Sodergren made their debut in their hometown of Ventura, California in April of 1993 helping to usher in the swing revival founded on a colorful fusion of classic American sounds including jazz, swing, and Dixieland mixed with the energy and spirit of contemporary culture. They proved to be among the standout groups that launched the new swing era in the 90’s. The group, whose core lineup been in place since 1995, includes Scotty Morris (lead vocals and guitar), Kurt Sodergren (drums and percussion), Dirk Shumaker (double bass and vocals), Andy Rowley (baritone saxophone and vocals), Glen “The Kid” Marhevka (trumpet), Karl Hunter (saxophones and clarinet) and Joshua Levy (piano and arranger.) Joining them on the road are Anthony Bonsera Jr. (lead trumpet) and Alex Henderson (trombone.)
Although music by other composers have been featured on each of the band’s albums, Big Bad Voodoo Daddy has always focused on original music, producing an impressively diverse songbook, while embracing the past and today’s times with current perspective and new stories to tell. The band’s originals rocketed the group into its first phase of stardom when “You & Me and the Bottle Makes Three (Tonight)” and “Go Daddy-O” were featured in the 1996 indie film landmark Swingers. The film launched the careers of Vince Vaughn and Jon Favreau and established BBVD as a cultural force beyond their home base of L.A.
The band has built a career through relentless touring and an impressive discography that includes the platinum selling, “Americana Deluxe” and follow-ups “This Beautiful Life”, “Save My Soul”, and “Everything You Want For Christmas”. Their music has appeared in countless films, television shows, and trailers including “Swingers”, “The Wild”, “Despicable Me”, “Family Guy”, “Phineas and Ferb”, “Malcolm In The Middle”, “Ally McBeal”, as well as multiple uses of songs for dance routines on “Dancing With The Stars” and “So You Think You Can Dance”. The band’s songs have also been featured in multiple Olympic gymnastic and figure skating routines (including Carly Patterson’s 2004 gold medal win) and have been widely used for years as part of television broadcasts of high profile sporting events including the NFL, NBA, and PGA.
The band’s numerous television appearances include “Dancing With The Stars”, “The Tonight Show with Jay Leno”, “Late Night with Conan O’Brian”, “Last Call with Carson Daly” (the last of which the band wrote and recorded the show’s theme song.) The band has shown true bipartisanship having played private events for the three of the last four presidents as well as events at both the Democratic and Republican National Conventions on multiple occasions.
Big Bad Voodoo Daddy hit pop music superstardom with their appearance in front of millions during the halftime show of the 1999 Super Bowl, while their 2003 New Orleans inspired album, “Save My Soul”, shifted focus to playing theaters, performing arts centers, and large outdoor venues to selling out shows at the Hollywood Bowl, Walt Disney Concert Hall, Lincoln Center, Chastain Park and Constitution Hall, to name just a few. The band often plays more than 150 shows a year and has appeared as special guests with many of the great American symphony orchestras including the Los Angeles Philharmonic, Atlanta Symphony Orchestra, National Symphony Orchestra, and U.S. Air Force Band.
While Big Bad Voodoo Daddy has sold millions of albums, the stage has always been the band’s first home. “We make records because we have to, but play live because we love to,” says Morris. ‘Americana Deluxe’ was really the first album to capture what we were doing live and we strive to capture the energy and excitement of the live show in all our recordings. It’s amazing how the chemistry in this band still works after so many years. Whether on stage or traveling down the road on the bus, everyone is hanging out together, laughing and enjoying being part of such a remarkable enterprise and enduring friendship — one that is so rare in this business.”
“We’ve never tried to put on airs or make people think we’re something we’re not,” he adds. “There’s an integrity that comes from writing and playing songs the way folks did in the old days, when they did it to capture the audience’s imagination; not simply to click with a specific demographic. Our fans always know they’re getting the real thing from us and true emotion that comes from the heart. We have no interest in being pop stars, but we have an absolute love of American music and a strong desire to share that with people.”
As Big Bad Voodoo Daddy approaches their twenty-year anniversary, “Rattle Them Bones” clearly demonstrates that the nine-piece band is very much like a fine wine or spirit that gets better with age. “We’re far from finished making music,” claims Morris. “The last 20 years went by so fast and we have even bigger plans for the next 20!”
Arcadia Performing Arts Center and Foundation
This is the third in this year’s concert season presented by the Arcadia Performing Arts Foundation and is a means of raising funds to support arts in the schools and maintain this new, state-of-the-art facility at 188 Campus Drive.
The Arcadia Performing Arts Foundation has currently set a fundraising goal $10 million that will result in an endowment to provide regular funding for the Performing Arts Center and the district arts programs. The Arcadia Performing Arts Center provides a first-class venue for the San Gabriel Valley where the public can enjoy major concert and performing arts attractions, and where student talent can be fostered and supported with a venue for their work.
Mickey Segal, Arcadia Performing Arts Foundation Chairman, said, “During our inaugural season we found that there was a great and supportive public for the concerts they brought to Arcadia – three of them completely selling out, so we know that there is an audience here that are eager to return for more wonderful entertainment. And the building has been a great resource for students and the community, who have enjoyed a top class venue for all kinds of activities.”
The 2015 Arcadia Performing Arts Foundation season sponsors are Alan and Sandy Whitman, Mickey and Lee Segal and Momentous Insurance.
Next up on the season calendar:
Dick Fox Doo Wop Extravaganza Saturday, June 6, 2014 at 7:00 pm
Dick Fox Doo Wop Extravaganza is Lou Christie (“Lightin’ Strikes”, “Make You Mine”), The Happenings (“See You In September”), The Fleetwoods (“Come Softly To Me”, “Mr. Blue”), Chris Montez (“Let’s Dance”) and David Somerville of The Diamonds (“Fools Fall in Love”, “Love, Love, Love”, “The Stroll”).
About Lou Christie Lou Christie’s chart topping, multi-million selling career as a songwriter, recording artist, and performer started in a two-track studio in Glenwillard Pennsylvania, his rural hometown near Pittsburgh. Lou’s first million selling song, “The Gypsy Cried”, transformed a local choirboy, Lugee Alfredo Giovanni Sacco, into Lou Christie – national teen idol, while still a teenager himself. Over the entire decade of the 1960’s Lou followed success with greater success. “Two Faces Have I” was his next big hit featuring his stratospheric falsetto. Lou forever embedded himself and his uniquely talented voice into America’s consciousness with his number 1 multi-million selling success “Lightning Strikes”. Lou’s chart topping success continued with two more million selling hits, “Rhapsody in the Rain” and “I’m Gonna Make You Mine”. “Rhapsody in the Rain”’s success was fueled by the fact that it was the first song banned on the radio due to its suggestive lyrics. Lou was more than just your average “teen idol.” He was one of the decade’s first singer-songwriters. Together with his eccentric collaborator, Twyla Herbert, Lou co-wrote nearly all of his songs. Twyla, nearly 30 years Lou’s senior, was a classically trained musician. It was the perfect partnership since Lou had no formal musical training. Highlights from Lou’s performing career include appearances on “Dick Clark’s Caravan Of Stars”, sharing 72 consecutive one-nighters with Diana Ross and the Supremes, and a command performance for Queen Elizabeth and the Royal Family. Lou has shared the stage with many of the greats of Rock ‘n’ Roll including The Rolling Stones, The Who, Neil Diamond, Roy Orbison, and Jerry Lee Lewis. Elton John, John Lennon, Madonna are among the music legends upon whom Lou has had an effect. Elton John played piano for Lou during Lou’s ‘London Period’ in the early 70’s and recorded Lou’s song, “She Sold Me Magic”. John Lennon repeatedly pointed out in his interviews that “Lou Christie was one of my influences”. And, Madonna thanked Lou in the liner notes of her ten million selling Immaculate Collection LP. Over the past decade, Lou has led the resurgence of Rock ‘n’ Roll heroes performing through out the world. Lou’s fans recognize his distinctive vocal and writing performances in major motion pictures. Many distinguished directors are also fans. Films that feature Lou’s songs include Barry Levinson’s –“Rainman”, Whit Stillman’s – “Barcelona” and “The Last Days of Disco”, Tony Bill’s – “A Home of Our Own”, Richard Linklater’s – “Before Sunrise”, John Hughes – “Dutch”, Michael de Avila’s – “Burnzy’s Last Call”, and Oliver Stone’s TV mini series – “Wild Palms”. Lou’s records are still selling today! And, in addition to recent international re-releases, his most famous tracks can be found on “Greatest Hits” and other collections on Varies Saraband and Rhino Records. Lou recently released “Pledging My Love”, a collection of newly recorded songs, including seven co-written by Lou himself. Lou is also a major contributor to the Rhino Records release, “Grease is the Word”, a newly recorded version of the soundtrack from the motion picture Grease. About The Happenings The Happenings virtually exploded onto the national charts in May of 1966 with their first single release, “See You In September”. The song quickly spiraled up the charts to become an international #1 record throughout the entire summer. Most recently, Entertainment Magazine has listed “See You In September” in the top 100 summer songs of all time! The Happenings, continuing to become a major force in the music industry, soon released their next smash hit “Go Away Little Girl” and hugely successful album “Bye, Bye, So Long, Farewell”. With Bob Miranda, the lead singer of The Happenings and the voice that literally spearheaded the group into international stardom, many great releases were to follow including the classic hits, “I Got Rhythm”, “My Mammy”, and a virtual treasure chest of hit albums! In the years to follow, The Happenings would travel and perform throughout the United States, Europe, and South America. Their venues would include large capacity concerts and appearances on nearly every major television show in America, including: “The Tonight Show with Johnny Carson”, “The Smothers Brothers Show”, and “The Merv Griffin Show”. They would share the stage with such music and entertainment giants as The Beach Boys, Roy Orbison, Joan Rivers, John Denver, The Drifters, The Kingston Trio, and many more!
Today, the group consists of three principal members. With Bob Miranda at the helm, complemented by the outstanding musical and vocal talents of long standing members Bob Kulik and George Rizzi, the group is a powerhouse of nostalgia and contemporary material that truly captures the classic signature sound that has made The Happenings a worldwide favorite for 30 years! The Happenings continue to perform in concert arenas and major show rooms throughout the country. Their extraordinary vocal talent and unparalleled showmanship continues to consistently bring audiences to their feet literally everywhere they go! In the words of Richard Nader, one of the great concert promoters of all time, “The incredible sound of The Happenings is as good today as it was in the 1960’s.”
About The Fleetwoods In a time when teens were driving their parents crazy with rock and roll, The Fleetwoods were a breath of fresh air. With four gold records to their credit, the group has secured its place in musical history, having been inducted into the Northwest Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and receiving BMI’s Special Citation of Achievement for over 2 million broadcast performances of “Come Softly To Me.” Gary Troxel was also presented the “Voice of America Certificate of Appreciation” during a performance at the Alan Freed Ball in 1996.
Today, The Fleetwoods are delighting audiences with the same close harmonies that made them famous. Their performances sparkle with nostalgia as they sing number one hits from the fifties and sixties to create a captivating and memorable experience.
About Chris Montez Chris Montez, born in Los Angeles, grew up in the middle class area of Hawthorne influenced by his Hispanic culture and the rock ‘n roll success of Ritchie Valens. Music was an integral part of his family life and Chris began singing rancheras with his older brothers when he was a kid. They taught him to play the guitar and he sang the high parts. In his junior year at Hawthorne High ignited by the spark of musical ambition, Chris formed a band and recorded his own original songs that gained the interest of Monogram Records. “All You Had To Do Was Tell Me” became a local hit.
Chris’ single, “Let’s Dance,” hit the top 10 and he was on his way. In 1963, he toured the UK with Tommy Roe, his opening act was a new English group, The Beatles! In 1965, with 3 years on the road behind him, Chris came home to complete his education and join a new label, A & M. Herb Alpert dropped in on one of Chris’ first sessions and suggested that he try a soft ballad sound. It was a more conservative style than Chris would have preferred, but Alpert’s instincts were good and the hits “The More I See You”, “There Will Never Be Another You”, “Call Me” and “Time After Time” followed in quick succession.
While the British and psychedelic rock were invading the U.S., Chris left A & M, signed with CBS International and amassed a string of hits outside the U.S. that has firmly established him as an international recording star. He has recorded songs in both English and in Spanish that have become hits in such countries as Japan, Austria, Germany, Holland, France, Mexico and the U.S.
Through the years, in between tours to the Britain and South America, Chris has continued to grow as an artist and to concentrate on his own compositions. His confidence in his music gives him the freedom to integrate the unique influence of his Hispanic culture and rich rhythm and blues style into his own personal hit making musical interpretations.
He tours internationally and recently starred in “The Original Stars of American Bandstand” at the new Dick Clark’s American Bandstand Theatre in Branson, MO.
He lives in Simi Valley, California with his wife, Chaz, a prominent local D.J. and their daughter, Ryan.
About Dave Somerville “Diamond” Dave Somerville was the solo lead singer on The Diamond’s “Little Darlin’,” one of the seminal songs of rock ‘n’ roll, and classics such as “Why Do Fools Fall In Love”, “Silhouettes” and “The Stroll.” His vocals on these anthems have become staples of radio programming, as well as the soundtracks for movies and backgrounds for countless TV commercials. Program directors and ad agencies figure that 25 million record buyers must have been right.
Inquiring minds might ask: How does one acquire such celebrity in the pantheon of rock music? Well…it comes naturally when you have the talent and you’ve toured with Jerry Lee Lewis, Chuck Berry, The Drifters, Buddy Holly, Frankie Lymon, Paul Anka, The Everly Brothers, Buddy Knox, Eddie Cochran, Little Richard, Roy Orbison, The Del Vikings, Little Anthony, Fats Domino and LaVern Baker as Dave has. Sharing stages, dressing rooms and bus tours with these rock ‘n’ roll pioneers is the stuff of which legends are born.
“Diamond” Dave was introduced to his first 45 record player by Buddy Holly on one of the many Greyhound buses that he and The Crickets shared. This was only fitting since Dave and The Diamonds’ “Little Darlin’” was the first hit on that new seven-inch innovation, the 45 rpm record. It was also on these trips that Chuck Berry would borrow Dave’s handy acoustic guitar into which he stuck the bus driver’s microphone taped in the “on” position, providing inspiration for the chords of his next “Maybellene” hit and many spontaneous sing-a-longs. And, it was in the hotel rooms along the way where The Everly Brothers would refine their harmonies and where Paul Anka might crash for the night in Dave’s bathtub after hours of jamming.
His music influenced the evolution of rock ‘n’ roll and many legendary artists over the years including Carole King, Bob Dylan and Elvis, who was a big fan of The Diamonds. The “King” spent many hours rehearsing “Little Darlin’” to The Diamond’s hit record and recorded his own version of the song. Les Paul was right when he said, “Dave has a unique God-given voice…a distillation of Elvis and Bing.”
“Diamond” Dave’s current act is full of vignettes of the late and great, as well as his own 16 hits, plus material from a vast repertoire tailored to his audience. His rich baritone voice and incredible four-octave range remain unmistakable today. He keeps a busy schedule entertaining at concerts, recording soundtracks, performing voice-overs or dashing off a tune or two.
He’s co-written the title song for Willie Nelson’s No. 1 country album, “The Troublemaker”, as well as the title song for the ABC hit television series, “The Fall Guy”. He’s performed in stage musicals and network shows from “The Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour” to “Star Trek.” He’s played venues from Carnegie Hall to Trump’s Taj Mahal.
Propelled by Dave’s voice, it was The Diamond’s contribution to international popular music that has resulted in their induction into four musical halls of fame – the Canadian Music Hall of Fame, the Vocal Group Hall of Fame, the Doo Wop Hall of Fame, the Rockabilly Hall of Fame – and a nomination for the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
Legend? More accurately, he’s a renaissance man whose musical history and creative talent bridge several decades and artistic realms.