The Jersey Boy and Good Vibrations

"Inside, outside USA"

Can you believe it? The Beach Boys opened for Frankie Valli! Who would have thought!
Last night at the Phoenix Dodge Theatre we caught an unbeatable combination, a contrast of the best from the west and the east.

The theatre was packed with the geritol crowd, mostly people in their 50's and 60's, some with their grand kids. New energy injected into our veins through "real music",(and alcohol) us aging boomers were on our feet for the better part of both performances. Lit cell phones were waved. We were alive again!!

Ger and I came to see Frankie. We had seen the Beach Boys a dozen times previous and were not that interested in seeing America's Band with only Bruce Johnston, the sixth Beach Boy and Mike Love remaining and trying to keep the summer alive. I mean Mike Love is now 65. Can he really still be the consummate front man?

I remember one performance up at Tahoe, in the late 70's when the band had the same powerful impact as a Stealth Bomber flying over a football stadium.

But we were really surprised! Although not originals, the rest of the band was a very talented group and they put on a DYNO-MITE show.

Tears came to my eyes when .Bruce sang and dedicated "God Only Knows" to the deceased Carl Wilson. Carl co/wrote and sang that song at their performances. For many years he was the soul of the Beach Boys.

Bruce

God, I love Bruce Johnston and the memories of Carl. Bruce has been with the group since 1965 when Brian became ill. He has penned several number one hits including Ï write the songs" crooned by Barry Manilow.

We both loved the show and the summer was indeed kept alive.

Walkin Like a Man

Frankie is truly a rags to riches story. He grew up in the projects of Newark. He told the story of how at the age of seven, his future course was set when he saw a young Frank Sinatra perform at the Paramount.

Today the story of Frankie and the Four Seasons is a Broadway hit that has won the Tony award. They have sold over 100 million records, had 8 number one hits and thirty seven hits in the top 40--Remarkable, and he is performing like a thirty year old in his seventh decade of life.

Frankie and his group put on a riveting performance. His signature sound, a stratospheric falsetto is almost as strong as ever .Do not miss him if he comes to your town!! He went through about 25 of his hits.


Frankie and Bob Gaudio. Bob penned many of the Four Season hits.

Frankie has a new album coming out in late summer doing songs of the 60's.

In the fall of 1962, "Sherry" was a number one hit on the charts. It was my first year of high school at Reno. I have been waiting all my life to see him do that classic and it plugged me back into that incredible period of time.

Needless to say, we were blown away by the show.

OK that's it, concert number 478. Projected time to break the all time record-2009.

ELG
Tryin to Keep The Summer Alive