OLDIESFEST
2002
by Diane Safir, freelance journalist
The
expression "everything old is new again" was
exemplified June 8th at the Oldiesfest 2002 concert at Shea's
Performing Arts Theater in Buffalo, New York.
Music
from the sixties and seventies continues to gain popularity
and after watching this performance it was very evident to see
why. From beginning to end the crowd was treated to a rock n'
roll buffet. Elvis impersonator Terry Buchwald kicked off the
evening with a rocking montage of Elvis songs. Classic
renditions were belted out by The Kingsmen ("Louie
Louie"), The Grass Roots, ("Temptation Eyes",
"Midnight Confession") Gary Puckett ("Young
Girl", "Woman Woman"), and the legendary Mitch
Ryder, ("Devil With A Blue Dress On"). These popular
hits had the crowd clapping, stomping, and shouting out for
more.
However,
without a doubt the highlight of the evening was the
performance of Andy Kim. Known to his legion of fans as simply
"the voice", Andy possesses a voice as strong and
beautiful today as it was in the late 60's, when his career
blossomed. That career began when a young Canadian teenager
with a burning desire to perform followed his dream to the
distant shores of New York city. Today that passion still
holds sway as his music enveloped the audience with an array
of emotion from the heartbreaking "I Wish I Were" to
the classic anthem to bubblegum music "Sugar Sugar".
The seven song set opened with his gold record "Baby I
Love You" followed by the boy- aches- for- girl,
rendition of "So Good Together".
Andy's
rapport with the audience was exhibited when four participants
were chosen to offer up their own version of "Sugar
Sugar". While there were no Ron Dante's in the bunch, the
crowd enthusiastically applauded their effort. Andy's suave, debonair
appearance enticed numerous women to the front of the stage
where their cameras immortalized the moment.
Although
normally a very private person, Andy divulged a glimpse of
what inspired his six million seller hit "Rock Me
Gently". It was during the afterglow of a one night
dalliance with a quintessential California girl that the
inspiration to pen this world famous classic came to
him.
Only
time constraints prevented Andy from performing such audience
pleasing hits as "Rainbow Ride", "Shoot Em Up
Baby" and "I've Been Moved". Gary Puckett did
find a way to maximize Andy's stage time by bringing him back
for a showstopping duet of Roy Orbison's "Pretty
Woman". From the late 60's to the early 80's, Andy was
responsible for creating and performing a multitude of hits.
Once the music scene changed he chose a self-imposed
hiatus.
One
can only be thankful that this talented and gifted
singer/songwriter decided to take to the stage once again. If
anyone has the opportunity to see these artists in person they
won't be disappointed. The oldies shows are not only a
showcase for some remarkable talents but also rekindle
memories of an innocent time.
...Long
Live the oldies!!
FROM
THE MAILBOX:
"Dear Andy, My husband and I saw you at the Patchogue Theatre on 4/27, we were blown
away by your performance, stage presence and fantastic shape you are in.
We wish you the best and biggest success in your career, it is not easy
to sing and perform better as time goes by it takes great desire and
dedication. We
applaud you for all that and for giving us such great
entertainment. You were the best that night. Looking forward
to you CD ... as were a lot of other people that night ...
Hope
your star goes as far as you want it to go ... you deserve it. God
Bless ... Marianne + Basil"
"Andy - What can I
say? You were the highlight of the show. The people loved you.
You still got it my friend. I am now an Andy Kim fan, but not only because of
your music. You are a gentleman and truly a nice man.
You are a pleasure to
work with, as were all the performers. In my heart I felt you guys tried as
hard as if you were in Madison Square Garden. What more could I have asked.
Please keep in contact, and as I told Wendy Kay if you are on the East Coast
for anything, lets get together. Thanks again.
Regards
... Gary Rooney Patchogue Theatre, NY"
"Dear Andy and
crew -
Just a note to let you know again what a pleasure it was working with you at
the Palace theater last night (April 13th). The performance was one of the
better ones I've seen at there, and the professionalism of your group made
my first FOH mixing assignment at this venue a very enjoyable one. I
received many compliments on your set and thought I would pass that on.
Perhaps we will get the opportunity to work together again in the future.
God bless."
"To: Wendy Kay
From: Storm N. Norman, WEBE108FM
Entertainment Chairman for Trumbull Day 2001
Trumbull, Connecticut
Hi Wendy!
Hope you enjoy the photos of Andy Kim
from our very successful Trumbull Day 2001!
As you know, from working over the years with you and your
talented artists, our music line-up along with our fabulous
fireworks display are the highlights of this two-day event,
and this year Andy Kim and the Shangri-Las brought talent,
class and a lot of familiar, family friendly hits to our
main stage!
Andy's performance in 100 degree (measured by the national
weather service) sunshine was truly admirable! From
"Baby, I Love You" to Rock Me Gently" and
every hit in between, he seduced our audience.
The Shangri-Las, making a return engagement to Trumbull Day
made their solid gold hits "Remember (Walking in the
Sand) and the audience favorite "Leader of the
Pack" as fresh today as when they were released.. They
are a pleasure to work with.
Having the option to hand pick such great talent from your
impressive roster, and working with your great staff, really
makes choosing easier than ordering from Baskin Robbins! We
shall do it again in 2002!
All the best, enjoy the photos ... Storm N. Norman"
