Arcadia Performing Arts Foundation concludes its 2015 Season with Dick Fox’s Doo Wop Extravaganza at 7 p.m. Saturday, June 6. The show is a celebration of Doo-wop, the iconic sound that caused a sensation in the 1950s and early 1960s. The program features Lou Christie (“Lightin’ Strikes,” “The Gypsy Cried”); The Fleetwoods (“Come Softly To Me,” “Mr. Blue”); David Somerville, lead singer of The Diamonds (“Little Darlin’,” “Why Do Fools Fall in Love,” “The Stroll”); Chris Montez (“Let’s Dance”); and The Happenings (“See You In September”).
Tickets are $29.50 – $99.50, with VIP Meet and Greet Packages available online at www.Arcadiapaf.org, The theatre is at 188 Campus Drive at North Santa Anita Avenue, Arcadia CA 91007. For more information please call 626-821-1781.
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.
The Happenings
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.
Dave Somerville
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.
About The Arcadia Performing Arts Center The opening of the Arcadia Performing Arts Center, which anchors the northwest corner of the campus of Arcadia High School, on October 18, 2012, was the realization of a long-standing dream for the citizens of Arcadia to have a major center for arts and culture in the community. This 40,000 square foot, state-of-the-art facility includes a main performance hall with seating for 1,150, a stage that holds 200 musicians, tunable acoustics and professional lighting and sound. In addition, the center boasts an orchestra room with practice rooms and music library, a dance studio with sprung wood floors, a professional stagecraft workshop and a Black Box theater with separate control room and flexible seating that can host 125 guests.
The realization of the Performing Arts Center clearly shows the commitment of the Arcadia community to the arts. With this realization comes the need for another commitment – to the future of the building, arts education and arts programming. The Arcadia Performing Arts Foundation is dedicated to maintaining the Performing Arts Center as a nucleus for the arts, education and engagement where the lives of students and the greater community are enriched.
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.
The 2015 Arcadia Performing Arts Foundation season sponsors are Alan and Sandy Whitman, Mickey and Lee Segal and Momentous Insurance.