Feature Story & Photos By: Larry H. Oskin
The Clermont Performing Art Center’s Mainstage was host to Joe Mariano’s nationally celebrated Pop, Rock & Doo Wopp concert this past week. Hundreds of bee-boppin’ fans attended with safe face masks and socially distanced seating, with the memorable legendary top hit songs that were shakin, rattling and rollin’ from the 50s and 60s.
Pop, Rock & Doo Wopp Live returned to Clermont with four classic groups of entertainers, all with their original lead singers. The show featured the velvet voices of Joey Dee & The Starliters who performed “Peppermint Twist”, “Shout” and “What Kind of Love is This”. The Mystics sang “Hushabye”, “White Cliffs of Dover” and “Somewhere Over the Rainbow” as heard in The Sopranos TV Show. Stan Zizka & The Del-Satins performed “Teardrops Follow Me.” They also sang rock and roll era that they recorded with Dion including “Runaround Sue” & “The Wanderer”. The finale star of the show was Bobby Rydell who sang “Volare”, “Wild One”, “We Got Love”, “Sway”, “The Cha-Cha-Cha”, “Wildwood Days”, “Forget Him.” He shared a few fun stories and jokes. The backup band for all four entertainers was amazing. Even the outfits were fun and memorable from red, white and sparkly suits to blue silk shirts and bow ties.
Clermont Performing Art Center’s Mainstage has been home to numerous legendary acts from Broadway and bluegrass, opera to comedy, famous stars from the worlds of rock and roll, theater, movies and television. This 1000 seat auditorium theater is the largest in Lake County, yet offers an intimate setting that you just can’t find anywhere else.
Upcoming Shows: The Hit Men will perform on April 3. The Hit Men are five brilliant musicians and singers who toured and recorded with some of the biggest names in music. This all-star team performed with stars like Elton John, Paul McCartney, Carly Simon, Sting, Mick Jagger, Cat Stevens and Frankie Valli. Winter Dance Party will perform on May 1.
John Mueller’s Winter Dance Party is the official live and authentic re-creation of Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens and the Big Bopper’s final tour and the only show endorsed by the Holly, Valens and Richardson estates. Each live concert performance includes over two hours of unbridled, high voltage entertainment featuring all the hit songs of the 50’s era. The Golden Gals will be on stage May 14 featuring Ginger Minj as Blanche, Gidget Galore as Rose, MR MS Adrien as Sophia, Divine Grace as Dorothy and special guest Doug Ba’aser as they recreate three original Golden Girls episodes. The Little Mermen will be on stage June 5. The Little Mermen are the Disney cover band. The band’s repertoire covers all 82 years of the Disney repertoire including favorites from “The Little Mermaid,” “The Lion King,” “Mary Poppins” and “Frozen.” They are encouraging guests of all ages to dress up as their favorite Disney character or princess! Besides Mainstage Performances, be sure to check out all of the additional entertainment with their Friday Night At the Black Box and You Are Still There series.
The Clermont Performing Arts Center has a most entertaining season planned with classics from the world of theater, music and pop culture. Tickets for all shows are on sale now and can be purchased at https://clermontperformingarts.com/ or by calling 352-394-4800.
