Thousands Flock to Doo-Wop Extravaganza

The rhythmic, rock-and-roll sounds of million-dollar doo-wop hits drew more than 7,000 locals to John J. Burns Town Park Friday night.

The Town of Oyster Bay’s Music Under the Stars free concert series brought nostalgia, harmony and history this weekend as  legendary 1950’s doo-wop artists came to John J. Burns Town Park.

For two and a half hours, Charlie Thomas’ Drifters, The Capris, The Crests with Tommy Mara, and Danny and the Juniors graced the overwhelming crowd with renowned and memorable chart-topping hits.

“It’s reminiscent of my growing up days in Brooklyn,” said Sherry Krulik of Huntington. "They’re very famous songs that bring me back to my childhood. It makes me feel young again to hear them.”

Several other concert-goers  felt like they were being brought back to another time.

“I’m a big doo-wop fan. I have older brothers and growing up in the ‘50s in Brooklyn, I didn’t have music of my own so I listened to their doo-wop,” said Bill Canning of Deer Park. “I enjoy it more now because it brings back my history. It brings back the past and things that were so important to me that I took for granted.”

The Capris, known for their classic hit “There’s a Moon Out Tonight” took the stage first. The group, which first originated in Ozone Park, Queens in 1957, now consists of Frank Reina, John Monforte, Wayne Smith, Lou Esposito and Tony Sergi. In 2008, the band became inductees of the Vocal Group Hall of Fame.

But after a three-year hiatus, the Italian-American doo-wop set returned to the limelight. They recently appeared as part of a Dick Fox Doo-Wop Show in Westbury last year.

“I’m carrying it on,” said Frank Reina, the only remaining original member. “I just love doing it. You see the response of the crowd and that’s better than getting paid. Getting a standing ovation from thousands of people? That makes my day. We’re doing something right.”

Following The Capris and donning bright red suit jackets, Danny and the Juniors graced the stage next. The comedic and lively band, individually celebrates their fifth decade as performers this year.

In addition to performing dance anthems “Twistin’ USA” and “Pony Express,” the band topped off their show with their most widely known song “At the Hop.” The song became a smash hit on five continents, reaching No. 1 on the pop, country and rhythm and blues charts. Today, it stands as the No. 23 all-time biggest record, the band said.

“It feels terrific,” said Joe Terry, one of three original members. “It’s absolutely fabulous to think that we could have lasted this long.”

As for the third act, The Crests, there are no original members remaining on the historic rock-and-roll group. Even so, today’s band prides itself for keeping true to the band’s unique sound. Led by Tommy Mara, The Crest sang many million-dollar hits, including “Sixteen Candles” and “Step by Step.”

“It’s a privilege and an honor to carry the name of The Crests,” Mara said.

Charlie Thomas’ Drifters, a favorite among audience members and even the other performing acts, closed the show with a standing ovation.

“It feels great. I’ve been performing since I was 15. I’m 74 now,” lead singer Charlie Thomas said. “Rock-and-roll is here to stay. I love every bit of it.”

The band has several chart-topping hits in their belt, including No. 193 on the Rolling Stone’s 500 Greatest Songs of All Time “There Goes My Baby” and “Save the Last Dance for Me,” which reached No. 1 on the U.S. pop charts.