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August 15, 2005

Stars of “American Hot Wax” Bring Sophisticated Sound to Classic Oldies

The glory days of rock ’n’ roll are back again in Woodbridge as the Mayor’s Summer Concert Series continues August 22 with an appearance by music and film stars Kenny Vance and The Planotones.

The free concert takes place in the meadow behind Woodbridge High School. Woodbridge Center and ShopRite are the prime series sponsors. The Kenny Vance and The Planotones show is sponsored by Hatco.

Festivities begin with a disc jockey at 6 p.m. and a 7:30 p.m. start for the concerts. Audience members are urged to bring blankets and lawn chairs, and refreshments are available in the food court.

“We are thrilled to have this group perform in Woodbridge,” said Mayor Frank G. Pelzman. “This is a show that will have the audience on their feet from start to finish.”

Long Island native Kenny Vance broke into the pop music charts in 1961 as a charter member of Jay and The Americans, the ’60s group known for its devotion to the ’50s doowop sound in hits such as “Tonight”, “She Cried”, “Only in America”, “Come a Little Bit Closer”, “This Magic Moment” and Neil Diamond’s first songwriting success, “Sunday and Me” . Before disbanding in 1972, Jay and the Americans recorded 32 singles and 15 albums, toured extensively and opened for the first U.S.Beatles and Rolling Stones tours.

Vance evolved into music production, producing the first records for ex-Jay and the Americans sidemen Walter Becker and Donald Fagen AKA Steely Dan. In addition, Vance served as musical director for Saturday Night Live and music supervisor for Animal House, Eddie and The Cruisers, Hairspray, Heart of Dixie, The Warriors, Streets of Fire, Looking For An Echo and other films.

The Planotones came together on the set of the hit movie American Hot Wax, the 1978 tribute to pioneer rock deejay Alan Freed that starred a young Jay Leno and Fran Drescher. Vance revived the group in 1992, and the current lineup features Johnny Gale, Angel Rissoff and Frenchy Yahjian – an all-star unit with scores of touring and performing credits with major stars.As exemplified on their new CD, Lovers Island, the Planotones present oldies with a freshness and sophistication that appeals to all ages.

The Mayor’s Summer Concert Series not only nourishes musical appetites but helps sustain the coffers at the Woodbridge Food Bank. Concertgoers bringing non-perishable food items receive a chance to win special prizes, one chance for every item donated. “Summer months always put a strain on local food pantries,” says Mayor Pelzman. “Last year, the generous people of Woodbridge donated an incredible amount of food during the series. We’re hoping to repeat that this year.”

The 2005 Mayor’s Summer Concert Series schedule:

● August 22 – Kenny Vance & The Planotones

● August 29 – The Greaseband