PHILADELPHIA, May 21, 2008 (PRIME NEWSWIRE) -- In the mid 1950s, the Doo Wop genre emerged from the streets of northeastern cities. Half a century ago, disadvantaged Philadelphia youth who could not afford instruments used their own instruments -- their voices -- to make music. Their playful yet passionate style of nonsense syllables evolved into an intricate class of group harmony that delivered some of the most popular hits of its time. On Saturday, August 9, 2008 from 1:00-7:00 p.m., Penn's Landing Corporation proudly celebrates this historic, charming genre in its birthplace at the Philadelphia Doo Wop Festival. Normally, concert-goers would have to pay expensive ticket prices to experience the artists on our lineup. But visit the Great Plaza at Penn's Landing, located on Columbus Boulevard at Chestnut Street for a rare opportunity to hear some of the greatest names in Doo Wop for FREE during this fabulous event produced by the Philadelphia Veterans Multi-Service Education Center.
Headlining this exciting concert is one of the best harmony groups of all time, Jimmy Beaumont and the Skyliners. Named for jazz orchestra leader Charlie Barnett's theme song "Skyliner," this band has been instrumental in establishing and preserving the Doo Wop genre. The group originated when legendary producer Joe Rock combined two harmony groups -- The Crescents (Jimmy Beaumont, Wally Lester, and Jack Taylor) and The El Rios (Joe Versharen and Janet Vogel) to form a pop powerhouse. Over the course of their long, remarkable career, this group frequented American Bandstand, produced a stream of chart-topping singles, and contributed memorable movie soundtrack music to Lethal Weapon, La Bamba, and American Grafitti, to name a few.
Tired of being on the road, Lester and Versharem retired in 1976 and in 1980, Vogel died tragically of carbon monoxide poisoning in her car. With its current lineup, bass Nick Pociask, baritone and second tenor, Dick Muse, first tenor and Donna Groom, and of course, Jimmy Beaumont, the group has continued to honor the integrity of the Doo Wop genre while exploring new avenues. For their incredible talent, Jimmy Beaumont and the Skyliners were inducted into the Vocal Hall of Fame in 2002.
Also featured on Saturday's program are The Continentals, Billy Carlucci (Billy & The Essentials), Billy Harner "The Human Perkulator," Cornerstone featuring Golden Voice Harry, Reunion: A Cappella at its finest, and Music and Dancing by "King Arthur."
While entrance into the Philadelphia Doo Wop Festival is free, donations will be accepted for the Philadelphia Veterans Multi-Service Education Center. This non-profit organization aims to provide employment, training, and related educational services to all facets of the community, especially Veterans, regardless of their station in life. In addition, they offer social and human services counseling and referrals to less fortunate clients experiencing barriers in finding their way back into the mainstream of society.
Public Programming at Penn's Landing would not be possible without our presenting sponsor Independence Blue Cross and the continued support of PECO, Bank of America, Pennsylvania Lottery, Live Nation and the Greater Philadelphia Tourism Marketing Corporation, all of whom are committed to serving the Greater Philadelphia community.
Penn's Landing Corporation is the non-profit organization responsible for funding and producing public programming on the Great Plaza, Philadelphia's Delaware Waterfront Park. Independence Blue Cross is the presenting sponsor of the 2008 Summer Season at Penn's Landing. All events produced by Penn's Landing Corporation are FREE to the public and on the Great Plaza, the heart of Penn's Landing, Philadelphia's premier riverfront entertainment destination.
For more information and event details, please call (215) 922-2FUN or visit www.pennslandingcorp.com. The Penn's Landing Corporation website is a virtual resource for the waterfront which can help visitors plan to easily park, play and stay all day at Penn's Landing.
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