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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!!
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